On a monthly level the consumer price index was up only 0.1%, as the energy-heavy transport and housing groups which contributed to the recent spike in inflation both saw falls.

The reversal in the quick growth in energy prices allowed the annual inflation rate to ease after hitting a four-year high last month.

Measured with the harmonised index of consumer prices, an EU-compatible gauge, consumer prices increased by 0.3% in October and by 3.2% at the annual level.