Wholesale prices fell by 0.4 per cent last month compared with a flat reading in July, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
As a result, the annual percentage change in so-called "factory gate prices" showed a decrease of 1 per cent in August, compared with a decrease of 0.4 per cent in the year to July.
In the year to August, there was a decrease of 2.2 per cent in price index for export sales. However, the CSO warned this figure was strongly influenced by international currency fluctuations. In contrast, there was an increase of 4.7 per cent in respect of the price index for home sales during the same period.
The most significant prices changes recorded last month were in the other food products category including bread and confectionary which fell 1.1 per cent; and in the computer, electronic and optical products division which saw prices fall by 0.8 per cent.
Prices of fish and fish products rose by 1.9 per cent during the month while prices in the electrical equipment category rose by 1.4 per cent.
On an annual basis, the CSO recorded a 10.1 per cent rise in dairy products and a 8.1 per cent increase in meat and meta products.
There were, however, decreases in computer, electronic and optical products (-6.4%) and basic pharmaceutical products (-3.6%),
The figures showed the price of energy products increased by 3.3 per cent in the year to August, while petroleum-based fuels increased by 9.1 per cent.
In August alone, the monthly price index for e3nergy products fell by 1.4 per cent, while petroleum fuels decreased by 3.7 per cent.