Inflation in the euro area has reached a record-high for the sixth straight month, intensifying questions over how the European Central Bank will respond.
- Headline inflation in the 19-member bloc rose to 7.5% in April. In March, the figure stood at 7.4%.
- Soaring energy prices contributed the most to April’s inflation rate, even though they were slightly lower than the prior month. Energy prices rose by 38% in April on an annual basis, compared to 44.4% in March.
- Food and alcohol prices increased further to an annual rate of 6.4%, compared to 5% in March. Unprocessed food prices rose at an annual pace of 9.2% compared to 7.8% in March.
Inflation, excluding volatile food and fuel prices, also increased to 3.9% from 3.2% as a narrower measure, which also excludes alcohol and tobacco products, rose to 3.5% from 2.9%.
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Source: eurostat
