Factory gate prices rose by 1 per cent in January, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office.

This compares to an increase of 0.7 per cent for the same month a year earlier.

On an annual basis, factory gate prices rose by 1.3 per cent, the CSO said.

During January 2011, there was a 1.8 per cent increase in prices for meat products while other food products such as bread and confectionery also rose. Prices for pharmaceutical products were up 1.3 per cent.

A 4.5 per cent decline was noted in prices for fish products while prices for chemicals products and beverages were down 2.2 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively.

Annually, prices paid for meat products rose 8.1 per cent while prices for computer, electronic and optical products and other types of foods were up 6.8 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively. Basic pharmaceutical products and preparations prices declined by 8.4 per cent over the year.

A breakdown of wholesale prices by sector shows material prices rose by 4.9 per cent in the 12 months since January 2010.

The price of energy products increased by 5.2 per cent over the same period, while the price of capital goods rose by 0.8 per cent.