Prices last month fell by a marginal 0.01 per cent over the previous month. The National Statistics Office said the retail price index dropped to 117.69 from 117.7, mainly because clothing and footwear prices fell by 7.79 per cent because of seasonal reductions.

It said recreation and culture also dropped by 0.15 per cent because of cheaper computers and sports equipment and other goods and services by 0.1 per cent due to less expensive jewellery.

On the other hand, water, electricity, gas and fuels rose by 3.09 per cent because of more expensive gas. Food also rose by 0.96 mostly because of costlier vegetables.

Meanwhile, the 12-month moving average rate of inflation was 3.71 per cent and the annual rate stood at 1.56 per cent.