Consumer prices 2.6 percent up in February

The consumer price index (CPI) is an important indicator for inflation, but not the only one. It is an index for price changes in a basket of consumer goods and services, such as groceries, clothing, petrol, rent and insurance premiums. Inflation is a broader term which covers more than consumer goods and services; for example, prices of owner-occupied houses, manufactured products, shares and gold are also subject to change.

Increase in fuel prices

The increase in the CPI was higher, mainly due to the price development of motor fuels. In February, the consumer price for petrol at the filling station was 0.9 percent up compared to one year previously, while in January it was down by 2.7 percent year-on-year. In February, consumers paid 7.4 percent more for diesel compared to the same month last year. In January, the year-on-year price increase was 1.1 percent. Consumer prices were pushed further upwards by the price development of air fares and clothes as well.

Rise in Dutch consumer prices higher than in eurozone

In addition to the consumer price index (CPI), CBS also calculates the European harmonised price index (HICP).

In February, HICP-based prices of goods and services in the Netherlands were 2.6 percent up year-on-year versus 2.0 percent in January. In the eurozone, the price increase went up from 1.4 to 1.5 percent.

The HICP is compiled according to the European harmonised method in order to facilitate comparison between the various EU member states. Price indices for the eurozone and the European Union as a whole are calculated on the basis of the HICPs of the individual member states. The European Central Bank (ECB) uses these figures to formulate its monetary policy.

Unlike the CPI, the HICP does not take into account the costs related to home ownership. In the Dutch CPI, these costs are calculated on the basis of rent levels.