ARENDAL, Norway, Aug 17 Reuters Norway39;s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.0 on Thursday to try to curb inflation, as widely forecast, and said it would likely hike again in September.

Thursday39;s hike had been expected by all 31 economists polled by Reuters, and a majority of poll participants predicted the rate would hit a peak of 4.25 by the end of the third quarter, in line with the central bank39;s projection.

What we are signalling at today39;s meeting is that most likely, if the economy evolves as projected, we will raise the policy rate in September, Norges Bank Governor Ida Wolden Bache told Reuters.

The crown briefly rose following the news but later weakened to 11.54 against the euro at 0951 GMT, from 11.52 just before the announcement.

Norway39;s annual core inflation, which excludes energy costs, stood at 6.4 in July, down from a record 7.0 in June, and has remained above the bank39;s 2 target since February last year.

It has turned out more or less as Norges Bank predicted inflation has been a bit higher which could have encouraged a slightly more aggressive rate increase but then the crown has strengthened a bit, Nordea economist Kjetil Olsen told broadcaster TV2.

If the currency proves to be weaker than projected or pressures in the economy persist, the policy rate may have to rise to more than 4.25, Norges Bank said.

If there is a more pronounced slowdown in the Norwegian economy or inflation declines…