Consumers facing an expensive Christmas as food and energy prices soar

'With winter energy bills kicking in and Christmas fast approaching, the high inflation that consumers have been grappling with for so long will be felt all the more acutely this time of year.'

Consumers are set to feel the pinch as Christmas draws closer, as grocery bills and energy price hikes saw inflation rise at its fastest rate in 18 months to 2.9% in the year to October.

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show households continue to be hit with sharp price rises for many essentials, with the cost of meat, milk, butter and coffee all recording double-digit percentage hikes in the last year.