The cost of living rose slightly last month, with the retail price index increasing by 0.17 per cent over the previous month to stand at 101.61 points, the National Statistics Office said.

Seasonal increases in clothing prices pushed the garment and footwear index up by 2.06 per cent. The other goods and services index went up 0.78 per cent due to higher jewellery prices and more expensive fuels meant the transport and communication index rose by 0.41 per cent. A very slight rise in the personal care and health index, 0.06 per cent, was caused by high prices for certain medicines and cosmetics.

Lower prices for fruit and poultry contributed to a fall of 0.46 per cent in the food index. Cheaper beverages brought about a 0.08 per cent drop in the beverages and tobacco index.

The recreation and culture index dropped by 0.16 per cent on account of computers that were lower priced.

In May, the 12-month moving average rate of inflation stood at 0.85 per cent (1.03 per cent in April) and the annual rate stood at 1.35 per cent (1.18 per cent a month before).