Germany's annual inflation rate accelerated to 2.8% in July from 2.3% in June, while consumer prices rose 0.8% from the previous month, according to the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis. Destatis President Ruth Brand said energy prices remained the main driver of inflation, rising at an above-average pace. Motor fuel prices increased sharply after the discontinuation of a government fuel discount and higher oil prices linked to the ongoing Iran war. Energy product prices were up 8.3% from a year earlier in July, including a 23% rise in motor fuels and a 34.7% increase in heating oil. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, stood at 2.4%, while food prices rose 0.4% year on year and services inflation eased slightly to 2.9% from 3.1% in June.