Inflation drops to 2.7 percent in April

Inflation in the Netherlands cooled to 2.7 percent in April, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported in a first estimate. Inflation was lower than in March, when daily life became 3.1 percent more expensive than a year earlier. In February, inflation was 2.8 percent

The cooling inflation is mainly related to energy prices and the prices of motor fuels at the pump. In March, energy and motor fuels became 3.7 percent more expensive. In April, there was a smaller increase of 3.3 percent. The price increase of food, drinks, and tobacco was higher in April (+3.2%) than in the previous month (+2.8%).

Dutch inflation based on the European harmonized calculation method was 2.6 percent in April, compared to 3.1 percent in March. This calculation method is slightly different from CBS’s. The method agreed upon within the European Union to measure inflation does not take account of the costs of living in your own home.

The European statistical agency Eurostat will also present a preliminary estimate of inflation in the euro zone in April later this morning. Inflation in the eurozone was 2.4 percent in March and 2.6 percent in February.