SINGAPORE - Inflation in Singapore jumped to 2.5 per cent in April, up from the previous month's 1.2 per cent.

The increase was largely a result of higher car prices compared with the same month a year ago, according to data released on Friday by the Singapore Department of Statistics.

Private road transport costs climbed 5.7 per cent in the month over last year, reversing four consecutive months of decline.

This was because of a rise in Certificate of Entitlement premiums, which were relatively lower last April.

The prices of food, recreation, housing, education and healthcare also rose in April from a year ago, the data showed.

Core inflation, which excludes the costs of private road transport and accommodation, accelerated to 2.3 per cent from 2 per cent the previous month, due to higher prices of services, food and retail-related items.