Fuel and energy bills and the cost of alcoholic drinks have driven the increase, which has prompted ministers to urge urging business to show restraint on pay rises.
The latest Retail Price Index figure, which was released this morning, of 3.1% is 0.8% higher than the rate in December, and the rate is expected to rise further in 2011 with GST set to increase from 3% to 5% at the start of next month.
• Full report in Wednesday’s Jersey Evening Post
