The average price of a pound of butter in Ireland rose by 76 cent last month, according to new figures published today (Thursday, April 10) by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Consumer prices in general have risen by 2% over the 12 months to March 2025.
According to the CSO, this is the first time that inflation has been at, or above, 2% since July 2024 when the rate of inflation was 2.2%.
Latest data shows that the "most significant increases" over the year to March were seen in alcoholic beverages and tobacco, which rose by 4.2% and food and non-alcoholic beverages, which also increased by 3.3%.
This was primarily driven by higher prices across a range of products. including milk, cheese and eggs; chocolate and confectionery; mineral waters; soft drinks; fruit and vegetable juices; and meat.
There is no indication that this trend towards higher prices paid by the consumer at the checkout appears to be easing, if anything, concerns have been heighted because of US President Donald Trump's tariffs-orientated trade policy.
Anthony Dawson, statistician in the CSO Prices Division, said: "There were price increases in March 2025 for a pound of butter (+76c), Irish cheddar per kg (+50c), two litres of full fat milk (+28c), and spaghetti per 500g (+2c).
"There were reductions in the price of a 2.5kg bag of potatoes (-9c), and an 800g loaf of white sliced pan (-1c), while the price of an 800g loaf of brown sliced pan remained unchanged when compared with March 2024.”
The latest CSO figures also show that the national average price of a take-home 50cl can of lager at €2.39 was up 2 cents from March 2024, while the price of a take-home 50cl can of cider did not change at €2.69.
However, last month, the national average price of a pint of stout in licensed premises was €6.04 - up 39 cents in the year - while a pint of lager was €6.44, up 37 cents compared with March 2024.
Consumer prices in the month of March 2025 rose by 0.7% according to the CSO compared with March 2024, when prices were up by 0.5% in the month.
In March 2025, the most significant monthly price changes were in transport (+1.9%) and restaurants and hotels (+1.2%) with the increase in transport chiefly due to higher airfares.
However, there was a modest fall of 0.1% in average prices for furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance.