The November rate was the same as recorded in the 12 months to October 1996.

There were few marked price changes in the main sectors, with household good, services and supplies increasing 0.8 percent.

Consumers also had to dig deeper for furniture, textiles and telephone access lines.

The transport and vehicle sector increased 0.4 percent, mainly brought on by a rise in the cost of foreign travel and gasoline.

The price of the food basket rose 0.2 percent, reflecting more expensive carrots, oranges, grapes, beef and chicken.