Cheaper prices at the gas pumps slowed the pace of inflation across Canada for the first time in months.

Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday the national inflation rate retreated to 7.6 per cent in July, easing from the 39-year high of 8.1 per cent in the previous month.

In Saskatchewan, the inflation rate remained unchanged from June to July, staying at 8.1 per cent.

In Regina, the rate increased to 8.2 per cent from 8.1 in June, while in Saskatoon, the rate fell to 7.4 per cent from 7.6 in the same time frame.

While gas prices declined, food prices rose at the fastest pace since August 1981, with prices up by almost 10 per cent since a year ago.

The Bank of Canada is paying attention to this latest reading of inflation as it gears up to make its next key interest rate on Sept 7th, when it's expected to raise borrowing rates again.