France: HICP inflation edges down in February
Preliminary data released by the National Statistical Institute (INSEE) on 28 February showed that consumer prices dropped 0.1% from the previous month in February (January: -0.1% month-on-month). Lower prices for food products, manufactured goods and services were largely behind the drop. In turn, prices for energy products were broadly unchanged, as lower prices for petroleum product were more than offset by higher prices for gas and electricity.
Inflation moderated from January’s 1.3% to 1.2% in February. Meanwhile, annual average inflation in February was stable at the previous month’s reading of 1.0%.
Harmonized consumer prices dropped 0.1% month-on-month in February, matching the print observed in January. Harmonized inflation dropped from 1.5% in January to 1.3% in February. Lastly, annual average HICP inflation inched down from 1.2% in January to 1.1% in February.