Harmonised inflation subdued in February

The harmonised consumer price inflation (HICP) rate, compiled in accordance with EU-wide methodology, showed that inflation was subdued in February.

The index actually fell by 0.04% on the previous month to 100.18 from 100.22 in January. It was 2.4% higher than in February 2005, according to the Statistical Service.

Prices fell the most compared with the previous month in the category of hotels and restaurants, possibly for seasonal reasons.

Prices rose the most in the category of recreation and culture, up 0.9% and transport, up 0.57%.

The HICP was rebased from the beginning of 2006 to 2005=100. A full breakdown of the historical series has not been made available on the Statistical Service website, making it difficult to make comparisons with corresponding periods of the previous year.