Rents rise and prices hiked at food outlets stand out in January consumer prices
Hikes in rents by private landlords and food outlets increasing prices stood out in the January consumer price figures.
The CSO figures showed rents rose by 0.4% in the month and that private-sector rents were on average 6.6% more expensive than in January 2018.
That means rents are now around 13% more expensive than at the end of 2016. Local authority rents also rose sharply, by 5% in the year.
There was also more evidence that the long era of falling mortgage variable costs is coming to an end.
Mortgage interest costs climbed 0.8% in January from December and rose 2.2% from January 2018, according to the figures.
The hike in the Vat rate for accommodation and hospitality may have been passed directly onto consumers.
The CSO figures show that prices across the category of restaurants, cafes, food service, and takeaways climbed 2% in the month and have risen 4.9% since January 2018.
Prices charged by restaurants and cafes rose 1% in the month and have climbed 3.9% since January 2018, while prices at licensed premises rose by 0.2% in January, and have risen 3% from a year earlier.
The CSO said other sharp rises in the annual rate were posted by housing, water, electricity, and gas prices, as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and education costs.
Overall, the consumer price index fell 0.7% in the month but was up 0.7% from January 2018.
