UPDATE 2-Venezuela November inflation steady at 1.9 pct

(Adds inflation by sector, core inflation, historical data and byline)

By Ana Isabel Martinez

CARACAS Dec 10 (Reuters) - Venezuela's consumer prices rose 1.9 percent in November, central bank data showed on Thursday, holding steady with October's rate despite the economy sinking into recession this year.

Inflation in the 12-month period through November, however, slowed slightly, the bank said.

The consumer price index rose 26.2 percent in the 12-month period through November, compared with a 26.7 percent increase in the 12-month period though October.

Accumulated inflation for the first 11 months of the year was 23 percent, the bank said in a statement. In 2008, CPI rose 27.6 percent in the first 11 months of that year.

OPEC member Venezuela, South America's top oil exporter, has one of the highest inflation rates in the world despite economic contraction fueled by lower demand for goods and distortions caused by currency exchange controls.

The inflation rate, which was 31 percent last year and remains the highest in Latin America, is a threat to President Hugo Chavez's popularity and could be a factor in parliamentary elections next year.

CORE INFLATION PICKS UP SPEED

November inflation was led by beverages and tobacco, up 3.3 percent; apparel and footwear, which increased 2.5 percent, and hotel and restaurant costs, which rose 2.3 percent.

Limiting inflation gains was a zero price increase in residential utility services except for telephone bills, education, up 0.4 percent, rental costs, up 1 percent, and transport, also up 1 percent.

The core consumer price index rose 2.3 percent in November, compared with 1.9 percent in October, the central bank said. (Reporting by Ana Isabel Marintez; Writing by W Simon; Editing by Padraic Cassidy)