The worrying trend that could put an end to rate cuts

Higher staffing costs were thought to have contributed to rising prices for meals and takeaways. (Steven Saphore/AAP PHOTOS)

In the shock inflation print that scared the Reserve Bank off cutting interest rates at its latest meeting, two items gave governor Michele Bullock particular cause for concern.

After the central bank kept the cash rate steady at 3.6 per cent on Tuesday, Ms Bullock did not rule out more rate cuts, if a spike in inflation proves to be temporary and price growth resumes its downward trajectory.