Italy's annual inflation rate hits 8.9%

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 30 - Italy's annual inflation rate reached 8.9% in September, up from 8.4% in August, according to preliminary data released by ISTAT on Friday.
    The national statistics agency said that this time food-price hikes, rather than energy-bill increases, were the driving force of the increase.
    Indeed, the trolley index of everyday goods such as food and household items was up 11.5% in year-on-year terms in September, the highest level since it reached 12.2% in July 1983. (ANSA).