Consumer prices in Germany: Minimal inflation thanks to cheaper energy – Handelsblatt

gas pump at a gas station

gasoline prices were down May at twelve percent, heating oil cost a quarter less

(Photo:. picture alliance)

Berlin remains inflation in Germany minimal because of cheaper energy and stable food prices. Goods and services cost in May on average 0.1 percent more than a year earlier, the Federal Statistical Office confirmed Friday an earlier estimate.

In April, consumer prices were even dropped by 0.1 percent. Inflation remains well below the target of the European Central Bank (ECB), which speaks only at values ​​of less than two percent of stable prices.

“damper on overall inflation was like in the previous months the price development of energy “, said the statistician. “The fall in prices compared with the previous month, but declined slightly for the third month in a row.”

Domestic fuel cost this time a quarter less, while fuels such as gasoline discount by twelve percent.

Food prices stagnated after they were risen in previous months. For fruit was 1.8 percent and 2.8 percent more calls for vegetables. “Clearly, however were cheaper dairy products”, announced the Federal Office. Quark discounted, for example, 13.1 percent, UHT milk by 9.4 percent, butter by 15.2 percent.

The last increase in oil prices is likely to make experts say noticeable in the second half, so that at the turn around inflation around the two percent could be expected.

inflation Prices in Euro -space sink

The prices in the euro area fell by 0.1 percent in May year on year. But in the year they could by the recovery in oil prices to rise again more more …

The ECB wants the euro zone deflation -. a price decline on a broad front with negative consequences for the economy – avoid. With a series of measures it attempts to lending going. So she sat in March its key interest rate to zero. The cheap money to stimulate demand and push prices.