Rates on hold amid soft inflation numbers

Falling petrol prices are expected to weigh on inflation, allowing the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates on hold for longer.

Falling petrol prices are expected to weigh on inflation. (AAP)

The Reserve Bank is expected to remain on the interest rate sidelines for longer as sharp falls in petrol prices dampen inflation.

Inflation remained flat in December, following a 0.1 per cent rise in November, weighed down by cheap fuel prices, the TD Securities/Melbourne Institute monthly inflation gauge found.

For the year, inflation rose by a weak 1.5 per cent.

TD head of Asia Pacific research Annette Beacher said annual underlying inflation was expected to come in at 2.1 per cent when official December quarter figures are released next week, keeping the RBA on the interest rate sidelines for 2015.