The consumer prices rose 1.8 percent in the first eight months of the year compared with 2001 but posted a drop of 0.1 percent in August from the previous month, the government said today.

The consumer price index (CPI) for the month also recorded 2.1 percent increase from last year, the Department of Statistics said in a statement.

Food, rent, fuel, transport and communication accounted for 90.8 percent of the overall increase during January-August period.

Tranportation cost up

Transport and communications, which recorded the highest rise, were up 6.4 percent, tobacco and beverages gained 5.0 percent while medical care and health expenses were up by 2.4 percent.

Other items which registered an increase were rent which rose 0.8 percent and food which was up 0.6 percent. — AFP