Consumer prices climbed 17.5% year-on-year in July, following a 17.2% rise in June.

Utility costs alone grew 23.1% annually in July, and transport charges also registered a double-digit growth of 23%.

Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages were 19.3% more expensive compared to last year, and those for restaurants and hotels gained 23.5%.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices moved up 1.3% in July, which was the lowest rate of increase in five months.