CPI annual inflation stood at 3.5 per cent in March 2012, up from 3.4 per cent in February.

The CPI now stands at 122.2 in March 2012 based on 2005 = 100, according to the Office for Natiaonl Statistics.

The largest upward pressures to the change in CPI annual inflation between February and March came from food (particularly fruit, bread & cereals and meat), clothing and recreation and spending on "culture," for example movies and leisure.

The largest downward pressures to the change in CPI annual inflation between February and March came from electricity, gas and other fuels and transport

RPI annual inflation stands at 3.6 per cent in March, down from 3.7 per cent in February. The annual rate was last lower in December 2009.

The largest downward pressures to the change in RPI annual inflation between February and March came from motoring expenditure and fuel and light. Partially offsetting these were upward pressures from food and clothing. The RPI stands at 240.8 in March 2012 based on January 1987 = 100, says ONS.