2010.08.3006:47:00UTC+00Belgium Consumer Price Inflation Eases In August

Belgium's annual consumer price inflation eased in August as energy product prices dropped, the statistical office said on Monday.

The consumer price index, or CPI, rose 2.32% year-on-year in August, but slower than a 2.57% growth in the previous month. Inflation rate dropped for the first time in eleven months. In June, the CPI had grown 2.46%.

The decline in inflation was mainly influenced by the fall in prices of energy products, the agency said. Inflation for energy products fell to 9% from 13% in July, while gas prices rose 2.2%. Cut flowers increased 7%, but fresh vegetables prices fell 7.7%. Electricity charges were down 0.9%.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.06% in August, faster than a 0.04% rise in the previous month.

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