Greece's annnual inflation rate rose to 5.6 pct in September from 5.5 pct in August, the independent Hellenic Statistical Authority (EL.STAT.) said on Thursday.

The statistics agency attributed the increase in the consumer price index to higher prices in almost all goods and services markets, reflecting higher VAT and special fuel consumption (ANA-MPA) tax. The September figure was the highest since August 1997.

The consumer price index was up 0.7 pct in September 2009 compared with the same month in 2008, while the September figure was 1.9 pct higher from August 2010. (ANA-MPA)

The statistics agency attributed the 5.6 pct annual increase in the inflation rate to: a 2.1 pct increase in food and beverage prices, a 17.7 pct jump in alcohol and tobacco, a 2.4 pct rise in clothing and footwear, an 8.0 pct increase in housing prices and 1.6 pct rise (ANA-MPA) in durable goods, a 0.8 pct increase in healthcare prices, a 17.7 pct jump in transport, a 3.0 pct rise in communications, an 1.1 pct rise in entertainment, a 0.2 pct rise in education and a 3.2 pct increase in hotel-coffee-restaurant prices.