The growth of consumer prices has slowed again as effects of cigarette price hikes tapered off.

Statistics Korea said Tuesday that the consumer price index grew by zero-point-eight percent in January from a year earlier.

It is the first time in three months inflation landed below one percent. The consumer price index stayed below one percent continuously last year through October, but it posted one percent in November and grew further to one-point-three percent in December, marking a 16-month high.

By item, public utility fees such as electricity, water and gas bills dropped by eight-point-one percent in January from a year earlier, while prices for industrial products decreased by zero-point-eight percent due mainly to falling gasoline prices.  

On the other hand, agro-livestock and fishery prices jumped two-point-four percent led by prices of beef and onions, while service sector fees including bus fares went up by two-point-four percent.

Core inflation, or the growth of prices excluding volatile oil and agro-fisheries prices, rose one-point-seven percent.

Statistics Korea said the base effect from the one-time rise of tobacco prices in January 2015 dragged down the on-year consumer price growth by zero-point-58 percent.