Pent-up demand after months of lockdown saw surge in spending in that month saw hairdressers and non-essential retail operations allowed to re-open. Statisticians said that over the last year it has also recorded higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants and cafes. There was also a rise in the cost of tobacco products and higher prices for wine and spirits sold in supermarkets and off-licences. Food and non-alcoholic beverages costs decreased due to lower prices across a range of products such as meat. The month of May saw higher prices for petrol and diesel and a rise in the cost of cars.

Source: Irish Independent June 10, 2021 10:30 UTC