Nicosia: The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose by 5.2% in August 2026 compared with August 2025, primarily driven by the costs of energy and services, as reported by the Statistical Service on Thursday. According to Cyprus News Agency, the categories of Restaurants and Accommodation Services and Transport recorded the largest annual increases, with rates of 13.3% and 9.8% respectively. Conversely, the most significant negative changes were seen in Clothing and Footwear, which decreased by 5.5%, and Information and Communication, which fell by 1.6%. The Energy category showed the largest change among economic categories, with a 15% increase compared to August 2025. On a monthly basis, from July 2026 to August 2026, the HICP increased by 1.5%. The most notable monthly increases were seen in Transport (5.5%), Restaurants and Accommodation Services (2.7%), and Recreation, Sports and Culture (1.2%). Clothing and Footwear experienced the main monthly decrease of 1.5%. The Energy sector continued to show significant changes, with a 15% increase compared to the previous year and a 4% rise from the previous month.