London, April 07 (QNA) - Private sector growth in the euro zone slowed sharply in March, as the war in West Asia drove up energy costs and disrupted supply chains, while overall demand - a key indicator of the economy's health, fell for the first time in eight months, according to a survey published on Tuesday.

The S&P Global composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for the euro zone fell to 50.7 in March from 51.9 in February, but remained slightly above a preliminary estimate that had indicated a reading of 50.5.

PMI readings above 50.0 indicate growth in activity.

New business also declined in March after steady improvement since July, affected by weak demand in the services sector. Total export orders also fell again, while demand for international services recorded its biggest drop in six months.

The services sector showed little growth, as the business activity index fell to 50.2 from 51.9 in February, marking the weakest reading in 10 months, while output growth in the manufacturing sector remained strong. (QNA)