Inflation in Germany rose to 2 percent on an annual basis in April, from 1.3 percent a month earlier. The German Federal Statistical Office reported this on the basis of provisional figures.
Economists generally expected an inflation rate of 1.5 percent. On a monthly basis, German consumer prices went up by 1 percent, after an increase of 0.4 percent in March.
Based on the European harmonized measurement method, German inflation was 2.1 percent, compared to 1.4 percent a month earlier. Economists generally calculated at a level of 1.7 percent.
Inflation in Europe’s largest economy was boosted by increased energy costs and higher prices for all-inclusive holidays, which is a side effect of the timing of Easter. This effect probably ebbs away in May.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that inflation in France rose in April to 1.2 percent on an annual basis, from 1.1 percent in March. On Friday, the European statistical office Eurostat will present figures on inflation in the euro zone.
