Key inflation gauge likely to slow down in March

BEIJING - China's consumer price index (CPI), the main measure of inflation, may slow down in March despite the upward pressure from the recent drought in the southwestern regions, analysts and officials said.

In February, the key gauge of inflation rose by a stronger-than-expected 2.7 percent year-on-year from 1.5 percent in January, the fastest clip in 15 months, reinforcing public inflationary expectations and concerns over imminent tightening measures.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said March CPI would decrease slightly compared with February, while the average rise of CPI in the first quarter would be between 2 to 2.5 percent.