Factory gate prices rose by 0.7 per cent in February to bring the annual rate of wholesale inflation to 2.3 per cent, according to the Central Statistics Office.
Building and construction material prices increased by 1.2 per cent in February 2002 and increased by 4 per cent in the year since February 2001 reflecting increased activity in the revitalised construction sector.
Rising oil prices lifted the price of energy products by 0.2 per cent in February 2002 and by 6.8 per cent over the year.