Annual inflation eases to 1.8% in February – CSO
New figures from the Central Statistics Office shows that inflation eased to an annual rate of 1.8% in February from a rate of 1.9% in January.
Today’s figures show that prices in restaurants and hotels rose by 3.1% mainly due to higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants and cafes, while tobacco products were also more expensive.
Transport costs rose mainly due to higher prices for airfares, petrol, diesel and the maintenance and the repair of personal transport equipment, with the increase partially offset by a reduction in the cost of cars.
February also saw higher health and motor insurance premiums as well as an increase in prices in hairdressing salons.
Meanwhile, several food items were more expensive last month with the CEO reporting increases in the price of chocolate and confectionery, milk, cheese and eggs, mineral waters, soft drinks and bread and cereals.
But clothing and footwear prices fell in February compared to the same time last year
Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the consumer price index grew by 2.2% in the 12 months to February, the CSO said.
The CSO also today published National Average Prices for selected goods and services for February.
They show price increases for a pound of butter, which rose by 70 cent, while Irish cheddar per kg was up 50 cent, two litres of full fat milk rose by 26 cent and spaghetti per 500g inched three cent higher.
But February saw slight reductions in the price of a 2.5kg bag of potatoes, which dipped by a cent, while an 800g loaf of brown sliced pan was also a cent lower. The price of an 800g loaf of white sliced pan was unchanged compared to the same time last year.
Article Source – Annual inflation eases to 1.8% in February – CSO – RTE
