Taiwan's prices are still rising above the central bank's comfort line, which is bad news for shoppers and keeps pressure on the bank to hold rates steady.

• Consumer prices rose just over 2% in August, the fourth month in a row above the central bank's 2% limit, though the pace eased from July.
• Gas prices are the biggest driver, up more than 10% from a year ago even though the government has frozen pump prices.
• Eating out keeps getting more expensive, with restaurant prices up over 3% for three months running and no sign of slowing.
• Food overall was cheap, held down by a big drop in vegetable prices, and everyday household staples like rice, pork and eggs rose more slowly than in July.
• Costs further up the chain jumped sharply, with factory-gate and import prices rising far faster than shop prices.

Outlook: Inflation is expected to stay above 2% in September as gas and vegetable prices climb again, though overall price pressure is still seen as mild.