According to calculations based on the 1999 average consumer prices, the inflation rate in July 2000 was 5.4 per cent, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) wrote in a press release Thursday. In July this year, consumer prices went up by 8.6 per cent from July 1999. Between January and July 2000, consumer prices grew 9.5 per cent from a year earlier. Prices in July this year were 3.1 per cent higher than in December 1999. The method of calculation is based on the price level fluctuations between the 5th and the 25th day of every month, the NSI wrote. Consumer prices of food in July 2000 increased 1.4 per cent from June, and of public services and catering 0.1 per cent, whereas goods other than food grew cheaper by 0.3 per cent