Halle (dpa/sa) – The inflation rate in Saxony-Anhalt has reached a new peak. In August, consumer prices in the state rose by 8.6 percent compared to the same month last year, as reported by the State Statistical Office in Halle on Tuesday. The previous record value of May 2022 was thus exceeded by 0.2 percentage points. According to the State Office, price drivers were food and non-alcoholic beverages, with prices increasing by almost 18 percent within a year. Expenditure on housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels also increased significantly by almost 13 percent compared to the previous year. In particular, the increased energy costs made themselves felt here.