March's inflation rate rises to 1.8 percent

Dutch inflation was 1.8 percent in March, 0.3 percentage points higher than in February. The increase was mainly the result of price increases for clothes and shoes. Inflation is calculated from the consumer price index (CPI), relative to the same month one year previously.

In March consumers paid on average 3.5 percent more for clothes and shoes than in the same month one year ago, whereas in February prices were 0.5 percent down on one year previously. Prices of motor fuels were 1.0 percent higher in March than one year ago. In February prices were 0.5 percent lower than in February 2006. 

With 0.8 percentage points, the costs of housing, water and energy were the main contributors to inflation in March. Cloths and footwear contributed 0.2 percentage points. The sector hotels and restaurants also contributed 0.2 percentage points to inflation. Price developments in communication, culture and recreation, on the other hand, tempered inflation, together accounting for 0.2 percentage points.

The harmonised consumer price index (HICP) allows comparison between the member states of the European Union. According to the HICP method, Dutch inflation was 1.9 percent in March. In February, the rate stood at 1.4 percent. According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, the eurozone inflation rate averaged 1.8 percent in April, as against 1.9 percent in March.

Dutch inflation