Understanding inflation

Sir, – The headline “Shoppers optimistic as grocery prices fall” (News, April 30th) is misleading when it says that prices are falling.

The article says that “The data . . . put grocery price inflation at 2.9 per cent in the 12 weeks to the middle of April”.

As inflation is still positive, this means prices are still increasing. – Yours, etc,

HELEN MOLONY,

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Clondalkin,

Dublin 22.

Sir, – Contrary to your headline, prices have not fallen. The rate of increase of grocery prices has slowed to 2.9 per cent from an almost 13 per cent high this time last year. Those increases throughout last year have continued without any reduction. Even last month’s percentage increase of 2.9 is still above the official Irish inflation rate of 1.6 per cent. – Yours, etc,

BOB BARRY,

Ashbourne,

Co Meath.