The biggest increase in the consumer price index was in the miscellaneous goods and services category, which rose 4.78 per cent, and was attributed to rises in gold prices and hotel rates.

The second-biggest price rise was in the food index, which was up 4.48 per cent compared with the first quarter.

The QSA says the rent, energy and fuel aspect of the consumer price index rose by 3.68 per cent compared with the first quarter of the year, mainly because of rental price rises. However, this was a slower pace than in previous months.