Hefty price hikes hit consumers hard as inflation soars to 5.1%

CONSUMERS are having to stomach hefty price rises almost every time they open their wallet or purse, according to the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures.

Inflation rose to 5.1% last month as prices in 10 of the CSO’s 12 main household spending categories experienced rises over the last year.

Last night consumer champion Eddie Hobbs said the main reasons for the increase were rises in the kind of charges controlled by the State.