The rate of inflation in Bermuda slowed slightly to three percent in January, according to Government figures released on Friday.

The rate of inflation during the month was down marginally from the 3.2 percent recorded in December.

The Consumer Price Index tracks the rate of change in general pricing for consumer goods and services.

The statistics department reported that the all-items index stood at 125.1 points which was constant with December?s recording, meaning prices were relatively static from month to month.

The fall in the average cost of fuel by one percent pushed down the Fuel and Power sector, as the fuel adjustment clause plummeted 6.9 percent to leave people with, on average, with cheaper electrical charges by 1.1 percent. The fall in the FAC was on the back of lower trading prices for barrels of oil on the world market.

Airfares also declined in price by an average of 3.9 percent but the dip was offset by a rise in the cost of car and cycle repair and maintenance costs, by 2.7 and eight percent, respectively.

Buying groceries was slightly cheaper during the month with food costs going down 0.1 percent although certain items cost consumers more at the cash register.

Local carrots were 2.6 percent more expensive, bacon was up 1.8 percent, and the cost of a wahoo steak set consumers back a further 1.7 percent.

Tinned fruit, baby food, cereal and salad dressing all cost between 0.4 percent and 0.6 percent more in January, while the cost of tenderloin was down 0.4 percent.

Rent costs also rose in January by 0.3 percent with the rental value of controlled and non-controlled properties increasing by 0.2 percent and 0.5 percent respectively.

Consumers saw little change in the cost of clothing and footwear, liquor and tobacco. There was also little change in the cost of household goods, services and supplies although it was slightly cheaper to buy cleaning materials and general household supplies, with prices falling a fractional 0.1 percent. Childcare services also fell by a marginal 0.1 percent.

However, leisure pursuits cost Bermuda residents slightly more during the month with the cost of education, recreation and reading moving up 0.1 percent.

Keeping a pet also became more expensive, with the average cost of keeping a pet rising 0.7 percent.

Taking a boat out also cost consumers four percent more at the petrol pump.

Health and personal care costs saw little change during the month, with the exception of personal services such as manicures, facials and body massages which were slightly pricier at an increase of 0.6 percent.