Key facts
- French consumer prices rose 2.6% year-on-year in August on an EU-harmonised basis.
- The August inflation rate was below the preliminary reading of 2.7%.
- The harmonised inflation rate accelerated from 2.4% in July.
- The August inflation rate was the highest since May.
Consumer prices in France increased by 2.6% year-on-year in August on a European Union-harmonised basis, according to data released by the statistics office INSEE. This figure was a slight downward revision from the preliminary estimate of 2.7% earlier in the month. The harmonised inflation rate, adjusted for comparison with other euro zone countries, accelerated from 2.4% in July and reached its highest level since May. The acceleration was primarily attributed to rising energy prices, particularly petroleum products, while the decline in manufactured product prices eased and food prices saw a slight acceleration. Service prices were expected to slow slightly year-on-year.