Consumer prices in Greece jumped 8.9% year-on-year in March, at a record pace since June 1995, data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) showed on Friday.

Inflation stood at 7.2 percent in February.

On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices rose 2.7% after a 1.1% increase a month earlier.

Prices for housing and utilities in Greece jumped 29.9% year-on-year last month, while food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 8.1% and clothing and footwear 6.5%. The cost of transportation services rose 15.4%, while hotel and restaurant prices rose 2.8%.

Annual inflation, calculated according to EU standards (HICP index), amounted to 8% in March, accelerating from 6.3% in February.