The euro zone industrial producer price index fell by 0.5 percent in September 2006 compared with August 2006, said Eurostat, the statistical service of the European Union (EU), on Monday.

For the whole EU, the index dropped by 0.7 percent in September.

In August 2006, prices gained 0.1 percent in the euro zone and 0.2 percent EU-wide.

In September 2006 compared to September 2005, industrial producer prices rose by 4.6 percent in the euro zone and by 5.0 percent in the whole EU, said Eurostat.

In September 2006, compared to the previous month, prices in total industry excluding the energy sector rose by 0.1 percent in both the euro zone and the whole EU. Prices in the energy sector fell by 2.5 percent and by 3.1 percent respectively.

In both zones, intermediate goods gained 0.2 percent and durable consumer goods remained stable. Capital goods increased by 0.2 percent in the euro zone and 0.1 percent EU-wide. Non-durable consumer goods decreased by 0.1 percent in the euro area but remained stable in the whole EU.

In September 2006, compared to September 2005, and excluding the energy sector, industrial prices increased by 3.6 percent in the euro zone and by 3.5 percent in the whole EU.

On annual basis, prices in the energy sector rose by 7.9 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. Intermediate goods gained 6. 5 percent in the euro zone and 6.3 percent EU-wide. Both capital goods and durable consumer goods increased by 1.7 percent in the euro zone and by 1.6 percent in the whole EU. Non-durable consumer goods rose by 1.7 percent and 1.8 percent respectively.