Retail prices last month fell by 0.43 per cent when compared to the same period last year.

The National Statistics Office said this was mainly because of a 1.41 per cent drop in food prices following a drop in the price of vegetables.

Similarly, transport and communication prices fell by 0.48 per cent because of cheaper air fares, housing by 0.09 per cent because of lower rental fees and beverages and tobacco by 0.06 per cent.

On the other hand, the cost of household equipment and maintenance rose by 0.29 per cent, clothing and footwear by 0.26 per cent because of seasonal price rises, other goods and services by 0.18 per cent because of more expensive jewellery and recreation and culture by 0.05 per cent due to higher stationery prices. Last month, the yearly moving average rate of inflation was 4.23 per cent while the annual rate stood at 2.74 per cent.