Electricity prices up 135.9% in August, gas 62.5%

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 31 - Electricity prices on the free market in Italy rose an annual 135.9% in August and gas prices were up 62.5% over the year amid an energy squeeze partly caused by Russia cutting gas supplies, ISTAT said Wednesday.
    Electricity and gas prices had risen by 109.2% and 22.8% in July, the national statistics agency said.
    The hikes were only partly offset by falls in the increases of petrol and diesel fuels, ISTAT said.
    Diesel rose 30.9% in August after gaining 18.2% in July while petrol was up 22.3% compared to 8.8%.
    Heating fuel showed a 52.5% gain in August, after rising 43.6% in July. (ANSA).