In March 2021, all CPI cities in North Sumatra had deflation, namely Sibolga by 0.29 percent; Pematangsiantar by 0.23 percent; Medan by 0.03 percent; Padangsidimpuan by 0.57 percent; and Gunung Sitoli with 0.54 percent. Thus, the combined 5 CPI cities in North Sumatra in March 2021 deflation of 0.08 percent.
In March 2021, Medan recorded a deflation of 0.03 percent or a decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 104.21 in February 2021 to 104.18 in March 2021. Deflation occurred due to a decrease in prices indicated, namely the food, beverage, and tobacco 0.27 percent; and the information, communication and financial services group of 0.21 percent. The expenditure group that experienced an increase in index were the clothing and footwear group by 0.31 percent; equipment group, household equipment and routine maintenance by 0.04 percent; the health group of 0.18 percent; the transportation group by 0.01 percent; the food and beverage / restaurant supply group by 0.58 percent; and personal care and other services group by 0.05 percent. Three other groups that did not experience changes in the index, namely the housing, water, electricity, and household fuels group; recreational, sports, and cultural groups; education group.
The main commodities contributing to deflation during March 2021 in Medan include chicken meat, bird's eye chilies, eggs, coconut, gold jewelry, and air transport.
Of the 24 CPI cities on the island of Sumatra, 17 cities recorded deflation. The highest deflation was in Meulaboh and Padangsidimpuan at 0.57 percent with a CPI of 108.37 and 106.58, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest deflation was in Batam at 0.02 percent with the CPI of 104.73
