New data show that Germany's annual inflation rate climbed above 1 percent in March for the first time since February 2009.

The Federal Statistical Office said in a preliminary report Monday that consumer prices were up 1.1 percent on the year — up from 0.6 percent in February.

The office said prices were up half a percent on the month.

Heating fuel prices were up 35 percent on the year and motor fuel prices rose 21 percent.

Compared with February, prices for heating fuels rose between 3.9 percent and 8.8 percent depending on regions. Motor fuel prices rose by between 3.8 percent and 7.7 percent.

Food prices were mixed on an annual basis and slightly higher on the month.