Consumer prices rose by 0.4 per cent in February, according to new figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The most significant monthly price changes were increases in clothing and footwear (up 6.4 per cent), and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (up 1.3 per cent) .

Compared to February last year, prices were on average 0.1 per lower.

The most notable changes in the year were decreases in clothing and footwear (down 3.8 per cent), transport (down 3.1 per cent), and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (down 1.8 per cent).

There were increases in miscellaneous goods and services (up 4.2 per cent), education (up 3.8 per cent), and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (up 1.3 per cent).

Transport fell mainly due to lower diesel and petrol prices, a reduction in the price of cars and a fall in air fares which was partially offset by an increase in bus and taxi fares.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels decreased primarily due to lower mortgage interest repayments, a reduction in the cost of home heating oil and a decrease in the price of electricity and gas.

Miscellaneous goods and services increased primarily due to higher motor, health and dwelling insurance premiums.