The annual rate of inflation fell to 3.8 per cent in November, according to figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.
The Consumer Price Index rose by 0.1 per cent in November but as last November’s 0.4 per cent fell out of the calculation, the year-on-year rate showed a fall in consumer prices.
The most significant monthly price changes were increases in services (0.4 per cent),alcoholic drink (+0.4 per cent) and clothing (+0.4 per cent).
The price of fuel (1.5 per cent) and housing (1 per cent) fell in November.
The most notable annual changes were increases in food (+6.6 per cent), alcohol (+5.4 per cent) and decreases in fuel & light (-3.7 per cent).
The main factors contributing to the monthly change were higher charges for cable television, hairdressing, package holidays and entertainment.
Hotel and other accommodation charges fell. Housing costs also fell after a decline in average mortgage interest repayments. House insurance premiums and private sector rents increased.