Householders enjoyed some respite from the ever-rising cost of living in Bermuda as the price of electricity per kilowatt-hour fell 1.8 percent in January, according to the latest figures released by Government.

And electricity prices have fallen more steeply since. Belco said the fuel adjustment rate decreased from 19 cents per kilowatt hour to 17.50 cents per k/w in January and is now at 12.50 cents for March.

The Department of Statistics Consumer Price Index report revealed that the fuel and power sector dropped by 2.1 percent in January - with the cost of a cylinder of propane gas declining 10.2 percent - despite prices increasing by 24.5 percent year on year.

Overall, consumers paid 5.2 percent more in January 2009 than they did a year ago as inflation climbed 0.3 percent from 4.9 percent in December 2008 to 5.2 percent, back to the same level as November last year.

The food sector was the biggest contributor to the 12-month increase, with the annual rate of price increase for the sector reaching 8.4 percent

The rent sector also impacted significantly on the annual rate of inflation via a 2.6 percent price shift, as tenants paid out 0.2 percent more on average on rents and controlled and non-controlled rental properties moving up one percent and 3.6 percent respectively.

Food prices rose 0.9 percent in January, driven by frozen poultry (3.2 percent), local fish (4.6 percent) and bottled water and sodas (7.3 percent).

Motorists were also hit in the pocket, with the transport and vehicle sector experiencing a 1.5 percent increase, due to higher gas prices for premium (4.9 percent) and mixed blends (four percent), while the foreign travel sub-index showed the cost of hotel accommodation rising by 6.8 percent.

Other sectors which saw an increase, including household goods, services and communications, up 0.3 percent for the month, attributed to a 3.1 percent rise in the cost of childcare services, education, recreation and reading, which edged up 0.2 percent, partially down to the average cost of boat fuel climbing 4.9 percent during the month.

Drinkers and smokers similarly forked out more for their favourite brands, with the tobacco and liqour sector increasing 0.5 percent for the month, reflecting a 1.6 percent rise in the price of wine, while clothing and footwear dropped 1.2 percent as the average price for men's and women's apparel decreased one percent and 3.6 percent respectively.