An increase in the price of oil pushed the Bord Gáis Energy Index (BGEI) up by 1 per cent in October.

Falls in the price of coal and electricity prevented a steeper increase in the monthly index, which measures the price of energy. The index, which stands at 136, is 21 per cent higher than in October 2010. The oil element was up 3 per cent at 144 for the month, while coal was down 7 per cent and electricity down 3 per cent.