The annual rate of inflation rose to above one percent for the first time since August.

Figures released by the Department of Statistics today revealed consumers paid 1.2 percent more for goods and services than they did a year ago.

The Health & Personal Care sector continued to be the largest contributor to the increase — as it was for the entire fourth quarter of 2009.

The annual increase for January 2010 was 7.2 percent.

The Food and Household Goods, Services & Communications sectors also played a role, with price shifts in each sector measuring 3 percent.

For the full story see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.