Inflation rose last month, according to the latest figures from the government.
The Treasury says the rise in the Retail Prices Index - from 1.9 per cent to 2.7 per cent - in May was primarily driven by food and housing.
Over the past twelve months, cereals, biscuits and cakes, lamb and milk products have all seen double-digit increases, while rents have risen by 9.4 per cent.
The annual rate of inflation given by the Consumer Prices Index also rose to 1.6 per cent, up from 1per cent.