Paris  - French consumer prices rose by 0.4 per cent in June, bringing year-on-year inflation to 3.6 per cent, the government's statistical office INSEE said Wednesday.

The figure is the highest in nearly 17 years. Annual inflation had stood at 3.3 per cent in May.

The rise in consumer prices was driven primarily by high energy costs and a seasonal increase in the cost of fresh produce, INSEE said.

Energy prices were up 18.8 per cent, year on year, in June, while the cost of food rose by 5.5 per cent for the period. (dpa)