Wiesbaden, Germany - Consumer prices in Germany rose 2.9 per cent in September compared to the same month of last year, according to provisional data from six federal states released Friday.

In August, the annual inflation rate was 3.1 per cent.

The Federal Statistics Office said seasonal factors such as a fall-off in holiday rental bookings and package tours contributed to the slower price rise.

Food prices the and cost of heating oil also dropped compared to August, although the price of domestic heating oil remained 30.8 per cent to 35.7 per cent more expensive than September 2007. (dpa)