Dutch inflation continues downward trend; dropped to 0%

Inflation in the Netherlands dropped to 0.0 percent in April, compared to 0.6 percent in March. This put inflation back to the same level as in 2015, which was the lowest level since 1987, according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands. 

The latest decrease in inflation continues the downward trend the Netherlands has been seeing since May last year. Though inflation has been on a steady decline since July 2013, with only here and there a slight recovery. Since July 2013, inflation in the Netherlands dropped by 3.1 percent.

According to Statistics Netherlands, mobile phones' price development had a downward effect on inflation in April. Mobile phones were almost 15 percent cheaper than a year earlier. Bank services also played a part in the inflation drop, with these services being 10 percent cheaper than in April last year.

Another factor was prices of accommodation and flights in April. Because Easter fell in March this year, rather than in April as last year, the prices for accommodations and flights were also lower than last year. This is because these prices are increased around holidays and vacations.