Jordan's annual inflation rate rose to 4.4 per cent in the first quarter of the year on gains in energy and food costs, according to figures released by the Department of Statistics on Monday.

Yearly inflation has picked up since the start of the year as oil and commodity prices have risen, though government subsidies have helped keep some food price rises in check.

Compared to a month earlier, the consumer price index (CPI) in March was up 0.5 per cent with the highest rises in the fruits vegetables and meats baskets along with transport and fuel, the official statistics showed.

Government subsidies have helped curb some food prices but economists expect headline inflation to rise above 6 per cent in 2011 compared to a forecast of around 5 percent in this year's budget. – Reuters