Revised Inflation Figures Reveal Economic Trends

In a recent update from Italy's National Statistics Office (INE), the annual inflation rate for February was adjusted to 1.6%, a slight decrease from the preliminary estimate of 1.7%. This figure marks an increase from January's 1.5%, indicating a gradual uptick in consumer prices.

Key Drivers Behind the Inflation Increase

The primary factor behind this acceleration was the surge in energy prices. Regulated energy products saw a significant annual rise of 31.4%, up from 27.5%, while the decline in non-regulated energy prices slowed down. Additionally, food prices played a role, with both unprocessed and processed food items experiencing higher inflation rates.

Contrasting Trends in Service Sector

Despite these increases, certain sectors such as transport, communication, and recreation services witnessed a slowdown in price growth. Core inflation, excluding energy and unprocessed food, slightly decreased to 1.7%.

Looking at the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices

The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) showed a 1.7% annual increase, with a modest 0.1% rise on a monthly basis, reflecting the complex dynamics of Italy's current economic landscape.