2 weeks Ago
Food and Services Continue to Push Up Inflation
Consumer prices fell 0.5% compared to April, with inflation still being led by rising prices of food, beverages and tobacco. They were 7.1 percent more expensive in May, barely shy of the 7.2 percent increase in April. Prices in the service sector also increased by 3.8%, but the pace was slower than the 5.6% jump in February.
Energy prices, in contrast fell once again, dropping 1 percent in May. But that decline was less than April's 3.2% drop. Motor fuel prices are a part of the energy category as well.
CBS stressed that the quick estimate is based on incomplete data. The last inflation numbers for May are set to be published on June 12.
Inflation As the Europeans See It
The inflation rate in the Netherlands was 3% in May, according to an estimate based on the European Union's harmonized calculation method, compared with 4.1% in April. This measure excludes the cost of living in those homes, which are occupied by homeowners. Inflation in the Netherlands has been relatively high compared to other eurozone countries, where the average inflation rate was 2.2% in April. Eurostat will release a fresh estimate for eurozone inflation in May later today.
