Inflation dives below 3 percent (but Easter eggs have become a lot more expensive)
© ANP / Kees van de Veen
Inflation has fallen faster than expected in March to 2.91 percent. And thus drops under the 3 percent border for the first time since August. This is apparent from data from the Statelbel statistics agency.
Especially nutrition has become a bit more expensive. The most important price increases in March relate to fruit, sugar products, holiday villages, natural gas, city trips, bread and grains. And also ‘the Easter egg’, or chocolate, became no less than 11 percent more expensive. On the other hand, mainly motor fuels, clothing, airline tickets, hotel rooms and flowers and plants have become a bit cheaper. And also services and even the house rental fall slightly.
Energy prices are also positive. In terms of energy, inflation this month is 5.5 percent compared to 8.2 percent in February and 15.9 percent in January. The faster decrease in inflation could mean that the next exceeding the pivot index – and therefore also the increase in benefits, pensions and wages at the government – will only be before October and therefore not as expected before August.
Not unimportant: if the trade war with America further derails, that could blow up inflation again. (NBA)
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