Inflation at 3.1pc

From AAP

23jan02

THE consumer price index climbed 0.9 per cent in the December quarter, giving Australia an annual inflation rate of 3.1 per cent, new figures show.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the 0.9 per cent increase followed a 0.3 per cent increase in the September quarter.

It was driven by a sharp hike in food prices, up 2.6 per cent, a 1.7 per cent increase in communication and recreation costs, a 1.4 per cent increase in clothing and footwear, and a 1.2 per cent increase in household furnishings.

Transportation costs fell 0.7 per cent in the quarter, while health costs dropped 0.2 per cent.