National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that China's consumer price index in August rose 5.3 percent year-on-year, matching the July's level.

The industrial output in August picked up again compared with July. 
 
Industrial output climbed 16 percent year-on-year as demand for raw materials rose, outstripping the 15.5 percent gain reported for July and above previous forecasts.

The increase mainly comes from strong demand for coal, steel and natural gas, as well as high-tech products.

(CRI September 13, 2004)