Inflation Unchanged From August

Headline inflation remained at 3.1% in September as it was in August though there were significant changes within the index that put pressure on it between August and September.

Falling air fares and second-hand car prices put most downward pressure on inflation with the main upward pressures counteracting it being record price increases for August in clothing and footwear and food and non-alcoholic beverages where prices also rose slightly. Furniture, household equipment and maintenace also increased by 1.7%.

Inflation Falls To 3.1%

CPI annual inflation fell last month to 3.1% from 3.2% in June. Second-hand cars and fuel were the main downward factors between June and July but as in June there were downward contributions from clothing and footwear and additionally from recreation and culture. Upward pressure came from food and non-alcoholic beverages and furniture and household goods. The index stood at 114.3 down from 114.6 in May (2005=100).