Eurozone inflation has hit a new record high, according to preliminary figures – but prices are falling in Ireland.

New figures from EU statistics agency Eurostat suggest Eurozone inflation hit a record 9.1% in August.

That is up from 8.9% in July and is the zone’s highest rate since records began.

The surge in prices was largely driven by energy – with inflation running at 38.3% across the Eurozone in August.

Inflation on food, alcohol and tobacco is estimated at 10.6%, while services are at 3.8%.

Despite the overall rise, estimated in inflation in Ireland fell for the first time this year – dropping from 9.6% to 8.9%.