Prices in Italy continue to rise, grinding record after record. According to the latest Istat data on inflation, in April the so-called "shopping cart” (index relating to the most consumed products) is back at its highest level since September 2008. Last month, the prices of the most frequently purchased products increased by 0,4% on a monthly basis and by 4,7% on an annual basis (in March the trend increase had been 4,6%). According to the statistical institute, the increase "is mainly attributable" to the rise in fuel prices.
During the same period gasoline skyrocketing: green prices increased by 20,9% year-on-year. This is the highest level since May 1983 (+21,5%). The increase, already evident to consumers, had pushed the Government in recent days to ask the companies to lower prices.
As for the general inflation rate, the national consumer price index remained stable at 3,3% compared to the same period last year, while on a monthly basis it increased by 0,5%.
Inflation buys for 2012 is equal to 2,7%. The basic one, calculated net of energy goods and fresh food, remains at 2,3%. Net of energy goods alone, the growth rate of the consumer price index is stable at 2,2%. The growth rate of the prices of goods is confirmed at 4,2%, while that of the prices of services showed a slight slowdown (+2,2% from 2,3 in March).
