Consumer prices rose by 0.8 per cent in March bringing the annual rate of inflation to 5.4 per cent, according to figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.
The most significant price rises in March were in tobacco, up 1.4 per cent; food prices, up by 1.1 per cent; and transport costs, which rose by 1 per cent.
Foot-and-mouth disease drove food prices higher in March. The price of lamb, pork and bacon increased significantly.
The EU harmonised index of consumer prices was up 0.8 per cent on the month and 4.1 per cent in the 12 months since March 2000.