Inflation rose by 2% in the 12 month period to April of this year, according to new data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The increase was driven mainly by higher food prices. Food prices are estimated to have increased by 0.6% in the last month and by 3.1% in the last 12 months.

The latest figures show a marginal increase in the rise in the cost of living as the inflation in the year to March was 1.8%.

The latest data is part of the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices which shows inflation in the euro zone was running at 2.2% in the year to March.

Energy prices are estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in April and decreased by 1.7% over the past 12 months, as the price of oil has tumbled.

Anthony Dawson, statistician in the prices division of the CSO, said: “The latest flash estimate of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), compiled by the CSO, indicates that prices for consumer goods and services in Ireland are estimated to have increased by 2.0% in the past year.

"Looking at the components of the flash HICP in Ireland for April 2025, energy prices are estimated to have decreased by 0.3% in the month and fallen by 1.7% since April 2024.

"The HICP excluding energy and unprocessed food prices is estimated to have risen by 2.5% since April 2024.

"Food prices are estimated to have gone up by 0.6% in the last month and increased by 3.1% in the last 12 months.

He added: "Transport costs have fallen by 0.1% in the month and are up by 2.1% in the 12 months to April 2025."

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