The Isle of Man’s inflation rate rose to 3.3 percent in August, according to the latest Consumer Prices Index (CPI) report.

The figure is up from 2.8 percent in July, though the index itself fell by 1.3 percent on the month. The data shows this reflects a combination of base effects and sharp monthly changes, particularly in transport.

Restaurants and hotels recorded the biggest rise over the year, with prices up by 8.1 percent. Within that, catering costs increased by 8.5 percent.

Alcohol and tobacco also rose sharply, climbing by 5.1 percent overall – tobacco alone was up by 7.5 percent. Communication costs increased by five percent, while food and non-alcoholic drinks were 4.7 percent higher than a year ago.

Within the food category, beef rose by 12.2 percent, coffee and other hot drinks by 11.1 percent, soft drinks by 9.2 percent, butter by 8.2 percent and cheese by 7.6 percent.

Some items fell in price. Oil and other fuels were down 12.7 percent, gas by eight percent and petrol and oil by 7.2 percent.

Travel costs were mixed – sea travel and other travel costs both fell by more than seven percent, but air fares increased by 14.8 percent.

Housing costs overall were 1.7 percent higher, with average rents up by 8.4 percent.

The Retail Prices Index (RPI) – which measures a slightly different basket of goods and services – also rose by 3.3 percent over the year but fell by 0.8 percent on the month.

Housing, fares, catering and household services all added to the annual increase, while fuel, light and motoring costs offset some of the upward pressure.

Statistics Isle of Man’s report notes that services such as hospitality and catering continue to drive inflation, while energy-related goods remain cheaper than a year ago.