Rio, 9/9/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Consumer Price Index (INPC) rose 0.18% in August, compared to an increase of 0.04% in July, according to the Statistical Bureau (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) (IBGE). For the year, the INPC is now up 8.08%, compared to 5.51% during the same period in 2002. For the last 12 months, it has risen 17.53%, compared to 18.32% during the same period in 2002.

The INPC survey has been used since 1979 to measure the cost of living for families with incomes between one and eight minimum wages per month (at the moment, the Brazilian minimum wage is R$240 per month). The survey is conducted in the country's nine largest metropolitan regions and the cities of Goiânia and Brasilia. (AB)