TUNIS: Tunisia’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month running to reach 6 percent in August against 6.2 percent in July and 6.4 percent in June, official data showed yesterday. It compared with March’s 6.5 percent, which was the highest rate in at least five years. Food and drink prices rose 7.8 percent in August, while clothing and footwear prices dropped 6.5 percent, the state statistics institute said. Rising prices may add to pressure on the government of Prime Minister Ali Larayedh as it struggles to restore stability after the assassination of opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi, the second such attack this year. The Tunisian economy is struggling with a big external deficit, hurt by falls in income from tourism.
Delta orders 40 Airbus jets
NEW YORK CITY: Delta Air Lines announced yesterday an order for 40 aircraft from European aircraft maker Airbus, including 10 wide-body A330-300s and 30 narrow-body A321s. Delta said the new aircraft, to be delivered over the 2015-2017 period, are part of an effort to renew the US airline’s fleet with a focus on enhancing profitability and keeping a close rein on capacity. “This Airbus agreement is another opportunistic fleet transaction for Delta in which we acquire economically efficient, proven-technology aircraft,” Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive, said. The value of the deal at official catalog prices is around $5.6bn.
Toyota recalls 370,000 vehicles
TOKYO: Japanese car giant Toyota Motor said yesterday that it was recalling some 370,000 vehicles worldwide over glitches that could cause them to stop mid-journey. The world’s biggest auto maker said around 170,000 units were being recalled because bolts pinning a valve control system inside the engine could become loose. In the worst case scenario, the glitch could stop the engine, it added. The recall affects Crown, Mark X, and various Lexus models built in Japan between July 2005 and July 2011, a spokeswoman said.
Agencies
