Consumers paid 1.1 per cent more for the standard basket of goods and services in May than the same month a year ago, according to Government statistics.

The rate of inflation remained unchanged from April at 1.1 per cent.

The average cost of goods and services in the Consumer Price Index dropped 0.1 per cent between April and May this year.

The cost of the index standard purchases cost $100.90 in May, compared to $100 in April last year.

The fuel and power sector continued to have a major impact on the inflation rate, falling 12.2 per cent year-over-year, with the lower cost of electricity, driven by cheap oil, cited as a major contributor.

But the education, recreation, entertainment and reading sector, together with the tobacco and liquor sector, increased 4.3 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively year on year.

Transport and foreign travel fell by 0.3 per cent in May, with a 4.9 per cent increase in the average cost of overseas accommodation offset by 3 per cent decrease in air travel costs.

The food sector also dropped by 0.3 per cent, following a 0.3 per cent increase in April.

Over the month, the fuel and power sector fell by 5 per cent, as the fuel adjustment rate dropped 5.3 per cent.

Rent went up by 0.1 per cent as the cost of repair and maintenance materials rose by 0.3 per cent.

Household goods, services and supplies and the health and personal care sectors remained static.