The consumers price index has fallen in the last quarter, following three consecutive quarterly rises.

But the downfall is only slight, at 0.2%, and is typical of the December quarter.

Lower prices for petrol and vegetables were major influencing factors, although they were countered by increased travel and housing costs.

Overall petrol prices were down 5.7% - the largest decrease of all.

And if it hadn't been for the decline in fuel costs, the consumers price index would have risen slightly in the December quarter.

The average price of 91 octane petrol over the last three months was $2 a litre.