Higher prices for vegetables, cars and cigarettes last month contributed to an increase in the cost of living.

Inflation soared to 0.84 per cent from 0.2 per cent in November last year. National Statistics Office data showed the main upward pressure was felt in food (0.64 per cent) and transport and communication (0.24 per cent).

Lower electricity prices helped force down the water, electricity, gas and fuels index by 0.63 per cent.

The NSO said the 12-month moving average rate of inflation was 0.39 per cent.

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