ISTANBUL

Italy's annual inflation rate was 7.7% in March, down from 9.1% in February, official figures showed on Friday.

Italy's statistical department Istat said the slowdown stemmed from price decreases in energy products.

Prices of food, non-durable and durable goods, and services, meanwhile, were almost stable.

But prices of unprocessed food, tobacco and services related to recreation, including repair and personal care, increased.

The monthly inflation rate was minus 0.3% in March.