Italy's consumer prices rose by 0.2 per cent in April 2025 from the previous month and increased by 2.0 per cent year-on-year, up from 1.9 per cent in March, preliminary data from Istat showed on Wednesday. The slight acceleration was mainly driven by a surge in regulated energy prices, which jumped 32.9 per cent year-on-year, up from 27.2 per cent, and a sharp rise in transport service costs, which rose 4.4 per cent from 1.6 per cent. Unprocessed and processed food prices also contributed to the increase, rising by 4.2 per cent and 2.3 per cent respectively. Core inflation climbed to 2.1 per cent, while inflation excluding energy rose to 2.2 per cent. Prices of goods slowed to 1.1 per cent annually, while services inflation increased to 3.0 per cent, widening the gap between the two sectors. On a monthly basis, the largest upward pressures came from seasonal increases in transport services and recreation-related services, while falling energy prices helped limit overall price growth. The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose 0.5 per cent on the month and 2.1 per cent annually. Acquired inflation for 2025 stood at 1.5 per cent. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
