Consumer prices on average remained unchanged in March this year compared with March 2020, research showed.
According to new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), consumer prices increased by 0.8% in March 2021.
By comparison, during March of last year, prices rose by 0.4% in the month.
Prices measured by the Consumer Price Index revealed that Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages decreased due to lower prices across a range of products such as meat, chocolate, jams, marmalades and honey.
Transport also decreased due to a reduction in air fares. This decrease was partially offset by higher prices for motor cars, a rise in the cost of services in respect of personal transport equipment and an increase in diesel and petrol prices.
The most notable changes in retail during the year were decreases in Clothing & Footwear which fell by 6.5% and Household Equipment decreased by 1.5%.
Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance fell primarily due to the reduced cost of non-durable household goods, household textiles and furniture & furnishings. This reduction was partially offset by an increase in the cost of major household appliances.
Price Increases
The research showed that Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco increased by 2.2%, during the period.
This was due to a rise in the cost of tobacco products and higher prices for wine and spirits sold in supermarkets and off licences, over the last year, the research showed.
Health increased primarily due to a rise in the cost of dental and medical services.
This increase was partially offset by lower prices for pharmaceutical products.
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