The pace of increase accelerated from 0.2 percent in March, reflecting rises in electricity rates.

The core CPI, which excludes often volatile fresh food prices, stood at 100.1 in April against 100 for the base year of 2015. The seasonally adjusted index was unchanged from the previous month.

Energy prices climbed 4.5 percent, with electricity rates rising 0.9 percent to mark the first increase in one year and 11 months. Gasoline prices jumped 14.9 percent but the increase slowed from 20.4 percent in March.

Prices of food, excluding perishables, went up 0.8 percent and hotel charges increased 3.6 percent.

Meanwhile, mobile handset prices dropped 14.3 percent due to lingering effects of discount campaigns. (Jiji Press)