BRUSSELS: Belgium’s annual inflation rate rose to its highest level since 2012 in March, propelled by an energy tax increase that sent electricity prices sharply higher.
Belgium’s national bank Wednesday said the consumer price index rose 2.24% in March, compared to an increase of 1.39% in February. Electricity prices rose 10% on the month in March after an energy tax hike took effect in the Flanders region of Belgium. Food prices were also up sharply, driven by a sharp climb in fruit and vegetable prices.
Stripping out the cost of energy products, Belgian consumer prices rose 2.68% in March, up sharply from the 1.86% annual figure reported in February.
