Rise in manufacturing input costs remains 'intense'         

'Companies widely reported passing on higher costs to customers,' the latest AIB Purchasing Managers’ Index reported.

Oil and gas prices have climbed, adding to manufacturing costs and consumer prices. Picture: Larry Cummins

The rise in the cost of raw materials used by Irish factories continued to be “intense” in February, and the costs are being passed on to customers, according to the latest AIB Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

The report confirms that inflation pressures were building for Irish factories even before the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict that sent the cost of energy and commodities rising again.