AVERAGE headline inflation was at 3.1 percent in the third quarter, unchanged from the previous quarter average but higher than last year’s average of 2.0 percent.

This brought the year-to-date average to 3.1 percent, within the government’s target range of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point (ppt) for the year.

Food inflation eased with slower increases in the prices of rice, meat, and fruits and vegetables.

By contrast, non-food inflation rose due to the uptick in transportation fares and domestic fuel prices.

Core inflation continued to rise to 3.1 percent during the quarter from 2.9 percent in the previous quarter. (PR)