Dutch annual consumer price inflation eased in August, a report by the Central Bureau of Statistics showed Thursday.

The consumer price index, or CPI, rose 1.5% year-on-year in August, slower than a 1.6% rise in the previous month. Economists were looking for an increase of 1.7%. A year ago, prices increased 0.3%.

Food and non-alcoholic prices increased 1.3% annually in August, while clothing and footwear prices fell 1.6%. Housing, water and energy prices were up 1.6% and health charges grew 1%. Transport charges increased 2.6%.

On a monthly basis, the CPI increased 0.2% in August, compared to a 0.3% fall in July. Economists' were looking for an increase of 0.3%.

The harmonized index of consumer prices, or HICP, meant for EU comparison purposes, rose 1.2% on an annual basis in August, slowing from 1.3% in July. According to Eurostat, inflation in euroarea in August was 1.6%. Though inflation in the Eurozone remained higher than in the Netherlands, the statistical agency said.

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