Prices increased by 0.13 per cent in December over November, mostly because of more expensive fruits and vegetables, the National Statistics Office said.

In fact, food prices rose by 1.93 per cent, clothing and footwear by 1.01 per cent, housing by 0.23 per cent, other goods and services by 0.21 per cent, beverages and tobacco by 0.06 per cent, while household equipment and house maintenance prices rose very marginally.

However, transport and communication prices fell by 1.97 per cent, water, electricity, gas and fuels by 0.41 per cent, personal care and health by 0.05 per cent, and recreation and culture was also down slightly. Last month, the 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 4.26 per cent whereas the annual rate stood at 4.93 per cent.