More money had to be forked out by people last month to buy goods including basic food items as the prices of items continue to sky rocket.

The Bureau of Statistics reveals that the prices for food items including tea, oil, onion, garlic, bakery products, fish, fruit, Yaqona, dairy products, ovaltine and various vegetables increased by 0.8 percent.

The highest increase was recorded in the transportation field where the prices for new vehicles, second hand vehicles, service and parts, bus and taxi fares went up by 20.6 percent.

As far as clothing and footwear, medical goods, alcoholic drinks and tobacco are concerned, prices recorded an increase of 0.5 percent while higher prices of 2.6percent was recorded for Kerosene. Price hike was also recorded for other household goods by 0.2 percent.

The average annual rate of inflation for the 12 months to last month stands at 4.2 percent while the all item Consumer Price index for August registered an increase of 3.5 % over July this year.