Consumer prices in four of Germany's largest states posted modest gains in April, as higher food costs continued to fuel inflation while falling energy prices offered some relief, regional data showed on Wednesday. In Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, prices rose 0.4 per cent month-on-month, according to state statistics offices. The increase in Bavaria was led by elevated dairy prices—particularly whole milk—although butter prices saw a sharp drop. North Rhine-Westphalia's gain was driven by a surge in fruit and vegetable costs, including notable jumps in tomatoes and peppers, while cucumber prices plunged 18.3 per cent. Baden-Württemberg and Hesse both recorded a 0.5 per cent monthly rise. In Baden-Württemberg, food prices were broadly stable, edging down 0.1 per cent, though vegetables rose 1.9 per cent and energy fell 0.7 per cent. In Hesse, food and services prices rose by 0.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively, while energy dipped 0.2 per cent. The data underscores ongoing divergence in inflation dynamics across Germany's regional economies, with food and services maintaining upward pressure even as energy costs trend lower. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
