In April, inflation in Germany slowed down for the second month in a row from a comparatively high level. Consumer prices rose by 7.2 percent compared to the same month last year, as the Federal Statistical Office announced on Wednesday. The authority thus confirmed a first estimate.
In March, at 7.4 percent, inflation fell below the 8 percent mark for the first time since August 2022. “Food remains the strongest price driver among the goods and services in the shopping basket in April,” explained the President of the Federal Office, Ruth Brand.
Inflation is a challenge for consumers: it is eroding their purchasing power. People can afford less for one euro.
Energy prices are rising
According to the information, food prices rose by 17.2 percent in April compared to the same month last year. For the first time this year, the upward pressure on prices in this area weakened again: in January, food prices were 20.2 percent above the level of the same month last year, in February it was 21.8 percent and in March 22.3 percent.
By contrast, the rise in energy prices picked up again in April. Energy prices rose 6.8 percent year-on-year after rising 3.5 percent in March. The federal government is trying to make natural gas, electricity and district heating more affordable by applying price brakes retroactively to January 1st.
From March to April, consumer prices rose by a total of 0.4 percent. Here, too, the Wiesbaden authority confirmed an initial estimate. (dpa)
