The annual inflation rate slowed in November to 8.9% from 9.2% in October, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Prices in most categories continued to rise, but the monthly increase of 0.3% was smaller than the 0.6% recorded in the same month last year.

The category that includes energy prices and housing costs showed an annual increase of just over 27%, as mortgage repayments, as well as electricity and gas prices, continued to rise.

Prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks were up by more than 11% over the year. A breakdown of food prices showed big increases in fresh whole milk (32.7%), sugar (24.8%), butter (23%), and eggs (20.8%).

Clothing prices jump

During November, the biggest monthly increases were in clothing and footwear (1.9%) and food and non-alcoholic drinks (0.7%).

Prices fell during November in only two categories: alcohol and tobacco (0.4%); and education (0.4%).

The figures published today (8 December) are for the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and differ from the measure provided by the CSO to the EU.