Falling food prices helped cool inflation in September, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistical Office (CSO).
The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index declined by 0.8 percent compared to August, driven by lower prices for tomatoes, fresh chicken, melongene, fresh carite, and other local produce.
The CSO said the downward movement in food costs contributed to a small overall decrease in consumer prices for the month.
However, the impact of these reductions was tempered by price increases for cucumbers, Irish potatoes, cabbage, pork, shrimp, and split peas.
The All Items Index slipped by 0.2 percent to 125.4, while the overall inflation rate eased to 1.0 percent—down from 1.4 percent in August.
The CSO also noted minor declines in the indices for clothing and footwear, and health, while alcohol and tobacco prices rose slightly. All other categories remained unchanged.
