Inflation climbed to 2.4% in the country and 3.3% in Quebec in September

Inflation accelerated to 2.4 per cent across the country in September, according to Statistics Canada, due in part to fluctuations in gasoline prices and some grocery price increases.

This represents an increase of half a percentage point compared to the 1.9 per cent inflation rate recorded in August. For September, economists had, on average, expected an inflation rate of 2.3 per cent.

In Quebec, inflation stood at 3.3 per cent in September, after being 2.7 per cent in August.

Statistics Canada explains that gasoline prices declined less sharply in September (-4.1 per cent) than in August (-12.7 per cent) due to a year-over-year effect, which pushed inflation higher.

Pumping prices increased slightly, by 1.9 per cent, on a monthly basis.

Store-bought food prices rose 4 per cent year-over-year in September, after rising 3.5 per cent in August.

Fresh vegetables, sugar, and confectionery saw the largest price increases last month. Fresh and frozen beef and coffee also contributed to food inflation.

The data released Tuesday will be considered by the Bank of Canada ahead of its next interest rate decision on Oct. 29.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews