PARIS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- France's consumer price index (CPI) is expected to rise 2.4 percent year on year in August, up from 2.1 percent in July, according to preliminary data released on Friday by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE).

Tourists visit the Palace of Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne, France, as smoke from a wildfire is seen in the distance, on July 14, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

In its provisional estimate, INSEE said the acceleration in inflation was mainly driven by faster increases in energy prices, particularly petroleum products.

The year-on-year decline in manufactured goods prices was expected to narrow further, while food prices were projected to increase slightly faster. By contrast, service prices are expected to slow slightly, while tobacco prices are projected to rise at the same pace as in July.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices were expected to increase 0.7 percent in August, following a 0.6-percent rise in July. The increase was mainly attributed to the seasonal rebound in manufactured goods prices, particularly clothing and footwear, following declines during the summer sales in July.

Energy prices were also expected to rise again, driven by higher petroleum product prices, while food prices, particularly fresh produce, were projected to increase. Service and tobacco prices were expected to remain stable from the previous month.

The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, used for comparisons across the eurozone, was expected to rise 2.7 percent year on year in August, up from 2.4 percent in July.