Czech consumer price inflation eased unexpectedly in August, though marginally, data from the Czech Statistical Office showed on Monday, according to the dpa. Consumer prices climbed 17.2% year-over-year in August, slower than the 17.5% rise in July. In contrast, economists had expected inflation to increase to 17.7%. Utility costs alone grew 22.9% annually in August, and transport charges also registered a double-digit growth of 19.1%. Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages were 19.6% more expensive compared to last year, and those for clothing and footwear gained 18.8%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices moved up 0.4% in August versus an expected increase of 0.8%. The monthly increase was contributed by all consumer basket divisions except transport, amid a significant drop in fuel prices.
