Clothing and electricity prices increase

RISING prices for clothing, electricity, insurance and petrol last month resulted in the cost of living continuing to edge upwards.

Prices increased by 0.3% last month, compared with a fall of 0.1% in the same month last year. Prices are now up 2.6% in the year, according to the Central Statistics Office.

Clothing prices were up 5.8% last month while footwear prices increased 3.7%. Rent rose 0.4% and electricity charges increased 1.6%, bringing the annual rise to almost 10%.