Inflation rate hits 8.4%, highest level since 1985

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 31 - Italy's annual inflation rate reached 8.4% this month, the highest level since it was 8.8% in December 1985, according to provisional data released by ISTAT on Wednesday.
    The inflation rate was 7.9% in July.
    The national statistics agency said the rise was driven by higher energy prices, up by 44.9% in August, compared to 42.9% in July.
    ISTAT said its consumer-price index was up 0.8% in month-on-month terms. (ANSA).