Inflation has increased by 0.5% in one month, figures from the Cabinet Office revealed.

The annual rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index increased in January to 2.6%, official government statistics say.

This was up from 2.1% recorded in December 2019.

Transport is said to be the most significant contributor to the increase in the rate of inflation, which is responsible for 1.1% of the 12-month rate.

Air fares on- and off-island, as well as further abroad, have risen and the cost of fuel - petrol and diesel - is also higher than 12 months ago.

Other increases over 12 months include window cleaning which is up by 20%, driving lessons up by 11.1%, subscriptions to internet up by 13.5%, other travel costs up by 10.7% and postage up by 9.6%.

On the other hand, prices for clothing and footwear fell by 0.1% since 12 months ago.

Inflation on food and non-alcoholic drinks increased by 0.3%.

Prices for men’s outerwear dropped 4%, biscuits and cakes by 5.9%, coffee and hot drinks by 4.6% and fruit by 5.7%.