Inflation rose 2.4 per cent on a year-over-year basis in September, up from a 1.9 per cent increase in August.

Consumers paid 4.0 per cent more year over year for food purchased from stores in September, following a 3.5 per cent increase in August. Faster price growth was driven by increased prices for fresh vegetables, sugar and confectionery.

Year-over-year grocery price inflation has generally trended upward since its most recent low in April 2024. Grocery items contributing to the general acceleration included fresh or frozen beef and coffee, both due, in part, to lower supply.

The cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador actually dropped slightly last month compared with August.