Wholesale prices fell in August after a rise in July, according to figures published this morning by the Central Statistics Office.
Factory gate prices decreased by 1 per cent last month compared to an increase of 0.3 per cent in August of last year.
As a result, the annual percentage change showed a decrease of 1.1 per cent in August compared to an increase of 0.2 per cent in July 2005.
The most significant changes were decreases in Office machinery and computers which fell 2.5 per cent and basic chemicals which fell 1.2 per cent.
The data also indicate that prices of building materials are unchanged in August, though they are running 3.2 per cent ahead of the same period last year.
Energy prices are 16.8 per cent ahead year-on-year, although the increase on the previous month was 0.4 per cent.