Credit: Statec
The annual inflation rate in Luxembourg has increased from 1.0% in February to 1.1% in March 2018.
In March 2018, the national consumer price index rose by 0.09%. Prices excluding petroleum products rose by 0.15%, while those of petroleum products slowed by nearly 1.0%.
Having already dropped in February, prices for petroleum products continue to decline. Motorists now pay 2.3% less for a litre of gasoline and 1.0% less for a litre of diesel. For heating oil, the drop over one month was 0.9%. Compared with March of last year, petroleum product prices are 1.2% higher.
Moreover, the prices of goods and services excluding petroleum products have had an impact on the monthly result. Goods, travel-related items, automobiles, pet goods and men and women's clothing have driven inflation.
For instance, in the food industry, ice cream, chocolate, certain meats and their preparation and fresh fish have drawn the general index upwards. Food products are up 0.5% in one month and 2.2% higher than last year. Alcoholic beverages in supermarkets are also more expensive with prices having increased by 1.1% compared to February. The increases in March mainly concern beer and wine. The goods for which prices have declined in comparison to February include indoor furniture and household appliances.
Finally, the general index of inflation for the month of March expressed in base 100 in 2015 is 102.90 points. Meanwhile, the semi-annual average of the index linked to the 1.1.1948 base has increased from 846.97 to 847.49 points and the next indexing will be triggered when the value of 852.63 is reached.
