Image copyright Getty Images

Inflation in the euro area fell to 0.5% in March, down from 0.7% in February and its lowest rate since November 2009.

The Eurostat estimate puts the inflation rate well below the European Central Bank target of just below 2%.

The figure is lower than the 0.6% rate expected by analysts.

The lower-than-expected rate may reinforce concerns that the 18-nation eurozone risks a damaging period of deflation.

Eurostat's March's figure is a "flash" or initial estimate, meaning it could be revised later.

Analysis It is not deflation, but it is getting uncomfortably close. The figure was lower than expected, lower than the previous month and lower than the European Central Bank's target of below but close to two per cent. So far, the figures are consistent with what the ECB President Mario Draghi has told us to expect - a prolonged period of low inflation, but no outright fall in prices for the Eurozone as a whole. Many economists nonetheless think there is a significant risk of deflation, which can aggravate debt problems, and lead to consumers and businesses delaying spending. And prices already are falling in some individual countries, including, according to recent national data, Spain. So the pressure on the ECB to do something is growing. But the options are limited. Interest rates are already very low. Some of the alternatives are variations on the theme of quantitative easing - pumping central bank money into the financial system. They are politically difficult as they are likely to be seen by many, especially in Germany, as creating a risk of dangerously high inflation in the longer term.

However, it is the sixth consecutive month that the rate of inflation has been below 1%.

And analysts believe that the sharp drop in the inflation rate could prompt the European Central Bank (ECB) to take action this Thursday.

'Unwelcome news'

At its last meeting, which took place earlier this month, the central bank left interest rates on hold at 0.25% and took no new measures to bolster the eurozone's fragile recovery.

However, ECB president Mario Draghi said at the time that the bank could take action should the outlook for the eurozone deteriorate.

Analysts have suggested the ECB could cut interest rates even further or buy bonds in a similar manner to the US Federal Reserve.

ING economist Martin van Vliet said the lower-than-expected reading would "fuel talk of further monetary easing by the ECB".

IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer said the fall in the inflation rate was "uncomfortable and unwelcome news" for the ECB.

"If the ECB does eventually act, it will probably include measures aimed at adding liquidity," he added.

Analysts noted the fact that Easter was later than usual had delayed the impact of rising travel and hotel prices and could encourage the ECB to wait before acting.

Citigroup economist Guillaume Menuet added: "There's still a case for easing, but we don't think there's going to be enough agreement within the governing council members to ease on Thursday."

On Friday, figures from Spain showed that prices in the country fell 0.2% in March compared with a year earlier.