Inflation boosted by fuel price surge

Consumer prices have been pushed up by a spike in petrol prices, but levels are still below the RBA's target range.

A spike in petrol prices has driven a pickup in the cost of living.

Consumer prices rose 0.6 per cent in June, after a 0.2 per cent fall in May, according to the Melbourne Institute's monthly inflation gauge.

In the 12 months to June, the inflation gauge rose 1.5 per cent, but still remains below the central bank's two-to-three per cent target band.

Melbourne Institute senior research fellow Sam Tsiaplias says a significant rise in volatile fuel prices, which jumped 7.6 per cent, drove the lift.

"Given this rise, it seems unlikely that we will get a repeat of last quarter's negative consumer price index result for the current quarter," Dr Tsiaplias said.

"The inflation gauge excluding volatile items rose (in June), although they are still below their long-term averages."

The June print was also helped by an increase in the price of holiday travel and accommodation, as well as fruit and vegetables.

These were marginally offset by small price slides in clothing and footwear, and insurance and financial services.


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Published 4 July 2016 11:08am
Source: AAP


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