The prices of goods went down by 0.3%, while services increased by 1.5%.
In August 2008 compared to December 2007 retail prices rose by 6.5%.
Living costs in August 2008 increased by 5.9% on average compared to December 2007.
The difference between the retail price index and the consumer price index was a result of the various influences that the rise in prices of particular items had on these indices.
By groups, compared with the previous month, the prices of agricultural products fell by 8.7%. The decrease was due to the seasonal shift in the price of fruits and vegetables. The price of eggs has gone up, whereas the price of fish was slightly decreased.
The price of industrial food products went up by 1.1% on average.
There has also been an increase in the price of rice, fresh meats, meat products, sugar and confectionery.
The prices of beverages went up by 1.5% on average, while tobacco prices remained the same.
Industrial non-food products were down by 0.4% on average. In this group, the price of oil derivatives decreased, whereas electric energy for households went up. Other products did not change significantly.
The price of services increased by 0.5% on average.