Theinflation in February. Last month, according to Istat's preliminary estimates, the national consumer price index recorded an increase of 0,4% compared to the previous month e by 3,3% on an annual basis. As for the so-called "shopping cart” (index on the prices of the most frequently purchased products) flies three-year high, increasing by 0,7% on a monthly basis and by 4,5% on an annual basis (it was +4,2% in January). The annual figure is the highest since October 2008, when it stood at +4,6%.
In general terms, theacquired inflation for 2012 it is equal to 1,9%, the underlying one (calculated net of energy goods and fresh foodstuffs) instead drops to 2,2% from 2,3% in January. Excluding energy goods alone, the trend growth rate of the consumer price index rises to 2,3% (it was +2,2% in January).
The slight acceleration in inflation - explains Istat - derives from the increase in the tendential growth rate of the prices of goods (+4,2% from +3,9% in January), only partially offset by the decrease in that of services (+2,2%, from +2,3% in the previous month).
Meanwhile, they continue to grow significantly fuel prices. Gasoline was up 2,1% month-on-month and 18,7% year-on-year in February. Diesel fuel for means of transport, on the other hand, marked an increase of 1,3% and 25,4% respectively.
