Inflation has risen by more than per cent for a basic basket of goods and services, according to the latest Government figures.

The consumer price index for August showed a 2.1 per cent jump compared to the same time last year and a 0.2 per cent rise on July’s figure.

Health and personal care accounted for the biggest increase — a year-on-year hike of almost six per cent.

And both the food and transport sectors “impacted strongly” on the annual inflation rate, with rises of 3.3 per cent and 2.3 per cent respectively.

On a month to moth basis, transport and vehicle costs rose 1.4 per cent compared to July as air fares increased following discounts, while premium fuel dropped 2.2 per cent in price.

Food prices went up 0.7 per cent in August over July, with a 7.5 per cent increase in the cost of frozen spare ribs and a 7.2 per cent increase in the mayonnaise prices a major factor.

In the fuel and power sector, there was a 1.3 per cent increase in August compared to the previous month, which recorded a 1.8 increase on June.

The consumer price index report said: “Residential consumers paid an average of 4.2 per cent more for electricity due to an increase in the fuel adjustment rate.”