In the September 2017 quarter compared with the June 2017 quarter, the consumers price index (CPI) rose 0.5 percent (up 0.3 percent with seasonal adjustment).

Food prices rose 1.1 percent, influenced by higher prices for vegetables (up 6.2 percent).

Housing and household utilities rose 1.0 percent, influenced by local authority rates (up 3.5 percent), rentals for housing (up 0.6 percent), and purchase of new housing (up 1.1 percent).

Transport prices fell 1.1 percent, with cheaper petrol prices (down 1.7 percent), and international airfares (down 5.5 percent).

From the September 2016 quarter to the September 2017 quarter, the CPI inflation rate was 1.9 percent.

Housing and household utilities increased 3.0 percent, with purchase of new housing up 5.4 percent, and rentals for housing up 2.2 percent.

Food prices increased 2.8 percent, with vegetables up 9.0 percent.

Communication prices decreased 5.3 percent, with telecommunications services down 4.5 percent and equipment down 22 percent.