Paris, July 31 (QNA) - France's annual inflation rate rose to 2.1% in July 2026, up from 1.8% in June, driven by higher energy and services prices, particularly for gas and petroleum products.

The French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) said in data released today that energy prices increased 12.4% year-on-year in July amid the impact of the military escalation in the Middle East, while accommodation and telecommunications services also became more expensive.

The institute added that the decline in manufactured goods prices slowed compared with the previous month, while food prices continued to rise at the same annual pace recorded in June, increasing 0.9%.

France's harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), used to compare inflation across eurozone countries, also rose to 2.4% year-on-year in July, from 2% in June. (QNA)