Cost of living to soar as consumers face further price increases

CONSUMERS face further price hikes with the cost of living set to soar in the coming months.

Inflation figures for August climbed 0.6% to 4.5% as the price of clothing and footwear, services, eating out, hotels, alcohol and health all rose significantly.

However, the current inflation rate does not include the Government-sanctioned 69% rise in third level registration fees, the 18% hike in VHI charges, the 13.25% rise in electricity prices, or higher transport costs, which economists say will send levels surging.