South Korea's consumer prices sharply increased in September due to surging food prices. 
 
According to data by Statistics Korea on Thursday, the country's consumer price index increased two-point-one percent this month from a year earlier.
 
The index gained more than two percent for the third consecutive month, which is a first since June in 2012.
 
Petroleum product prices rose six-point-one percent this month on rising international crude oil prices. 
 
Ahead of the Chuseok holidays in early October, fruit prices jumped 21-point-five percent, rising over 20 percent four months in a row since June.
 
Prices of agricultural, livestock and fishery products gained four-point-eight percent from a year ago, but vegetable prices dropped four-point-two percent.