Belgian Inflation Accelerates In December

(RTTNews) - Belgian inflation accelerated in December to its highest level since November 2008 after easing to three-month low in November, figures showed Thursday.

Inflation rose to 3.1% in December from 2.86% in November, the National Institute of Statistics said. Prices increased for a thirteenth consecutive month. On a monthly basis, prices grew 0.39%.
Rate of inflation, excluding energy prices, slowed to 1.55% from 1.65% in November. Inflation was mainly driven by rising prices of fuels, heating oil, gas and vegetables. However, these increases were marginally offset by falling overseas travel costs as well as prices of fruits.
Energy costs grew 16% compared to 13% rise in November. Food prices rose 3% year-on-year, while prices of vegetables were 31% higher than last year.