U.S. consumer prices fell unexpectedly in March and recorded their first annual drop since 1955, government data showed on Wednesday, as slumping demand pushed down energy and food costs.

The Labor Department said its closely watched Consumer Price Index fell 0.1 percent, after increasing 0.4 percent in February. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast headline CPI rising 0.1 percent.

Core prices, which exclude food and energy items, rose 0.2 percent after rising by the same margin in February. That compared to analysts' prediction for a 0.1 percent increase. Core prices have risen by 0.2 percent for three months in a row. March core prices were lifted by increased costs for tobacco and vehicles.

On a year-over-year basis, consumer prices fell 0.4 percent in March, the first 12-month decline since August 1955, following a 0.2 percent increase the previous month. Core prices rose 1.8 percent year over year.

Energy prices dropped 3.0 percent after rising 3.3 percent the previous month. The food index eased 0.1 percent for a second straight month in March.

(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani, Editing by Andrea Ricci)

Energy Consumer price index Fall