Italy's inflation rate falls to 7.9%

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 10 - Italy's annual inflation rate dropped to 7.9% in July, down from 8% in June, according to final figures released by ISTAT on Wednesday.
    The national statistics agency said a deceleration in energy prices (from 48.7% in June to 42.9% in July) was a factor in the fall.
    It said its consumer price index rose by 0.4% in month-on-month terms.
    ISTAT also said, however, that its 'trolley' index of frequently bought items such as food and household goods was up by 9.1%, the highest level since September 1984.
    Prices of the habitation, water, electricity and fuel section of the economy rose by 24.7% over July 2021, ISTAT said.
    Like many other countries Italy is enduring a cost of living crisis sparked by the Ukraine war, supply-chain disruptions and other factors.
    The government recently passed a second bumper aid package for those struggling to make ends meet.
    It has also passed legislation to tamp down power-bill hikes.
    (ANSA).