also played a part in the smaller price decreases for food products in 2005.
Prices of clothes and shoes, and communication on the other hand fell by more in 2005 than in 2004. The increase in rates of consumption taxes and government services was also smaller than in 2004.
Inflation in December 2.0 percent
Inflation was 2.0 percent in December 2005. This is 0.2 of a percent point higher than in November, when prices were 1.8 percent higher than twelve months previously.
The increase in inflation in December was mainly caused by prices of clothes and shoes and motor fuels.
For clothes and shoes, the shopping pattern deviated in December 2004, resulting in lower than normal prices in the sales season. In December 2004, prices of motor fuels also fell sharply.
Statistics Netherlands Press release PB06-002 page 2 of 2
Inflation according to European method 1.5 percent
Dutch inflation calculated according to the European harmonised method (HICP) was 1.5 percent on average in 2005. In 2004 it was still 1.4 percent.
The higher inflation rate in 2005 was mainly caused by large price increases for energy products. The yearly average for the EU and the Eurozone have not yet been released.
Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, expects inflation in the Eurozone to fall slightly in December to 2.2 percent.
marketing@alchempro.com
