The Statistics Institute announced the cost of living as 4.59 per cent for February.

The average price of 625 items included in the index saw an increase compared to the previous month, while the average price of 38 items saw a drop.

According to the data published by the institute, the cost of living increased by 85.71 per cent compared to February last year.

In terms of main expenditure groups, the highest increase compared to the previous month was in the food and non-alcoholic beverages main group with 8.96 per cent.

Miscellaneous goods and services increased by 7.09 per cent, clothing by 5.75 per cent, restaurants and hotels by 5.44 per cent, furniture, household appliances and home maintenance services by 4.60 per cent, transportation by 3. 68 per cent, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels by 3.22 per cent, communication by 2.95 per cent, health by 1.90 per cent, recreation and culture by 1.88 per cent, education by 1.04 per cent and alcoholic beverages and tobacco by 0.86 per cent.