Inflation is expected to rise over 5% this year, as a slew of price increases come into effect.
Commuters and public transport users are facing a series of price rises with tolls on the M4, the M1 and the Eastlink and Westlink up by 10%. Also, Dart, Luas, commuter rail and bus fares all rise by 2.75% this week.
Electricity prices were not as high as previously announced, but still went up 12.6% from yesterday, and gas prices, which were also adjusted, will be up 24% on last year from next month.
This month the plastic bag tax is to go up 7 cent, An Post has applied to increase the 48 cent stamp by 7 cent, and a packet of 20 cigarettes went up 50 cent last month.
Also, as announced in the budget, private hospital bed costs are up 25%, which is expected to push up health insurance prices this year.
Inflation was running at 4.4% in December, which was a rise of 0.3% from November 2006. It is unlikely inflation will fall this year with the European Central Bank expected to rise rates again in the coming months, and as higher energy costs kick in.
