Italy confirms 4.2 per cent inflation as energy prices accelerate
Italy’s final September consumer prices rose 4.2 per cent annually, up from 3.3 per cent in August. Energy and unprocessed food accelerated, while core inflation reached 1.6 per cent. The harmonised measure was revised above its preliminary estimate. Third-quarter figures also showed higher inflation for households with the lowest spending than for those with the highest spending. The national index increased 0.7 per cent monthly.
Economics & Markets··Evening
Final inflation rises from August’s 3.3 per cent
Italy’s final September national consumer-price inflation reached 4.2 per cent. The final release from Istat, Italy’s national statistics office, confirmed the annual increase on October 16.[1], [2]
The annual rate had been 3.3 per cent in August. Prices increased 0.7 per cent over the month. Energy inflation accelerated from 17.1 per cent to 22.6 per cent, with regulated energy rising 25.8 per cent and unregulated energy 22.5 per cent annually. Unprocessed food inflation increased from 3.8 per cent to 5.5 per cent.[1]
Core inflation reaches 1.6 per cent
Excluding energy and fresh food, annual inflation rose from 1.5 per cent to 1.6 per cent. Goods inflation increased from 4.1 per cent to 5.4 per cent, while services rose from 2.4 per cent to 2.6 per cent. Frequently purchased products became 5.2 per cent more expensive annually, compared with 4.3 per cent in August.[1]
Monthly price movements differed within the basket. Regulated energy rose 5.8 per cent, unregulated energy 4.6 per cent and unprocessed food 2.2 per cent. Transport services instead fell 2.5 per cent and processed food declined 0.6 per cent.[1]
Lower-spending households face higher inflation
The harmonised consumer-price index rose 4.2 per cent annually, above its preliminary estimate of 4.1 per cent. Its monthly increase was 2.1 per cent, reflecting the end of summer sales, which the national index does not incorporate. Third-quarter harmonised inflation was 4.4 per cent for households with the lowest spending levels and 2.9 per cent for those with the highest.[1]
