ISTANBUL 

France's annual inflation rate was at 2.3% in July, after 2.2% in June, official figures showed on Wednesday from statistical office Insee's provisional data.

This slight increase in inflation stemmed from sharp rise in energy prices in the month, the office noted.

"Year on year, prices of manufactured products and tobacco should rise at the same rate as in the previous month," it said.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices also slightly increased in July by 0.1%; prices for services rose, driven by the seasonal rise in transports and accommodation services.

"The prices of energy should also rise, driven by those of gas," it added.