India’s service sector activity improved in the month of March, on the back of the fastest expansions in sales and activity. The upturn also stemmed from new business wins, strengthening demand conditions and greater consumer footfall due to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. As per the survey report, the seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Services PMI Business Activity Index surged to 53.6 in March from 51.8 in February. Further, the S&P Global India Composite PMI Output Index -- which measures both manufacturing and services -- also improved to 54.3 in March from 53.5 in February.
The report further noted that new work intakes continued to expand in March amid reports of increased client visits, successful marketing and supportive demand conditions. The upturn was solid, above trend and the quickest in 2022 so far. Underlying data report indicated that the domestic market was the key source of sales growth, as new business from abroad fell further. Moreover, the contraction in new export orders was sharp and the fastest since last September.
On the price front, service providers witnessed a further increase in their operating expenses. Furthermore, the overall rate of cost inflation was sharp and the strongest since March 2011, on the back of higher chemical, fuel, raw material, retail, transportation and vegetable prices. Some companies opted to pass part of their additional cost burden on to consumers by lifting output prices. The overall rate of charge inflation was moderate and broadly in line with its long-run average.
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