Footwear and clothing prices rose significantly in October, by 11.4% and 6.7%, respectively, but their effect on inflation was cancelled out by lower prices of petrol and package holidays.

At the annual level the highest price increases were recorded in the groups housing (3.9%), which contributed 0.5 percentage points to the annual inflation rate mostly on account of higher electricity prices.

Prices in the group alcohol and tobacco went up 3% and contributed 0.2 points to the annual inflation, whereas food and non-alcoholic beverages were 2.4% more expensive, adding 0.4 points to the inflation rate.

The only segments in which prices dropped were transportation (0.6%) and housing equipment (0.4%). Lower petrol prices reduced the annual inflation rate by 0.4 points.

The harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), an EU gauge, was at 1.1% in October, down from 1.5% in September and 3.2% in October 2012.