Inflation 5.5 percent in September

CPI was driven by higher cigarette, spirits and vehicle fuel prices, with spirits and tobacco prices rising 11.2 percent, lifted by a 17.8 percent increase in tobacco prices. Prices in the category of goods that includes vehicle fuel grew by 9.8 percent, as vehicle fuel prices jumped 21.6 percent.

Food prices were up by 4.4 percent, household energy prices edged 0.6 percent higher, consumer durable prices rose by 5.1 percent and clothing prices increased by 0.5 percent. Service prices rose by 3.2 percent.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, was an annual 4.0 percent in September.

CPI calculated with a basket of goods and services used by pensioners stood at 5.0 percent.

In a month-on-month comparison, inflation was 0.2 percent.