Italy: Inflation stable in March
According to provisional data released by the National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) on 29 March, consumer prices rose 0.3% month-on-month in March, following February’s 0.2% increase. The figure reflected higher prices for transport, communication, and alcoholic beverages and tobacco, which more than offset lower prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages, and recreation and culture. Meanwhile, inflation came in at 1.0% in March, matching February’s print.
Core consumer prices, which exclude more volatile categories such as unprocessed food and energy, rose 0.4% from the previous month in March, following February’s flat reading. Meanwhile, core inflation inched up from February’s 0.4% to 0.5%, while harmonized inflation was stable at February’s 1.1%.