Inflation rate in March 1.0 percent

In March 2006, the Dutch inflation rate was 1.0 percent. This is 0.1 percent point lower than in February. Then consumer prices were 1.1 percent higher than the year before. The decrease is mainly due to the price development of fresh vegetables, according to the consumer price index (CPI) by Statistics Netherlands.

The Dutch inflation rate calculated according to the European harmonised method (HICP) was 1.4 percent in March.

Inflation rate further reduced

The slight decrease in the inflation rate in March 2006 was mainly due to a decrease in the average price of fresh vegetables. In 2005 the March prices for fresh vegetables were considerably higher than in February.

Flowers and plants were cheaper in March 2006 than in February. Since the price from March on February dropped more this year than in 2005, these items also contributed to a lower inflation rate.

Inflation rate according to the European method remains 1.4 percent

The Dutch inflation rate calculated according to the European harmonised method (HICP) was 1.4 percent in March 2006, the same as in February. Eurostat, the European statistical bureau, expects the inflation rate in the eurozone in March to reach 2.2 percent. In February the eurozone inflation rate was still 2.3 percent.

The Netherlands has one of the lowest inflation rates in the eurozone. Only Finland had a lower inflation rate in February.