Inflation steady in May

The rate of inflation was unchanged over the past, latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show, but prices have risen by 1.8% since the beginning of the year.

The rate of inflation was unchanged over the past, latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show, but prices have risen by 1.8% on an annual basis.

The CSO said consumer prices last month, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) were unchanged, compared to an increase of 0.1% recorded in May of last year.

However prices on average, as measured by the CPI, were 1.8% higher in May compared with May

2011.

The most notable changes in the year were increases in Education (+9.4%), Transport (+5.0%), Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+4.2%) and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+4.1%).

There were decreases in Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance (-2.7%), Recreation & Culture (-1.7%) and Communications (-0.9%).