Inflation at 3.1 percent in March according to flash estimate

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Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports in a flash estimate that the CPI-measured inflation rate stood at 3.1 percent in March. This was 2.8 percent in February. The flash estimate is based on source data that is not yet complete. Inflation is measured every month as the change in the consumer price index (CPI) relative to one year previously. The regular consumer price index (CPI) figures for March will be published on 9 April.

Price changes in product groups

In addition to the inflation rate, CBS also publishes price changes for a number of product groups as part of its flash estimate. These product groups are aggregations of spending categories for a particular theme, such as ‘all services’. The price development of all categories in the CPI is published on 9 April.


New method for measuring energy prices

Since June 2023, CBS has been using a new method to measure energy prices and incorporate them into the CPI. On 30 June, CBS published a background article explaining in more detail what the new method means for the CPI, the inflation rate and the use of the CPI for indexation purposes.

HICP flash estimate

CBS publishes two different figures for inflation. One is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the other on the European Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). According to the HICP flash estimate, inflation stood at 3.1 percent in March. This was 2.7 percent in February.

In order to facilitate comparison between countries, EU member states calculate a consumer price index according to internationally agreed definitions and methods. Based on these harmonised indices (HICP) for all EU countries, Eurostat calculates the inflation rates for the eurozone and the EU as a whole. The European Central Bank (ECB) uses the HICP to formulate its monetary policies for the euro area. In addition, most countries produce a national consumer price index.

In the case of the Netherlands, the main difference between the CPI and the HICP is that the HICP does not take account of costs related to home ownership, while the CPI does. In the CPI, these costs are calculated based on changes in rents for housing. However, this is not the only difference. All the differences are explained in greater detail in this article.

Sources