The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands showed a slight decline, easing to 2.8% in December from 2.9% in November, as confirmed by preliminary estimates. This represents the lowest level observed since August. The decrease was mainly influenced by a more significant drop in bungalow park prices, which fell by 4.5% compared to a 0.3% decline in November, as well as reduced motor fuel costs, which decreased by 2% compared to a rise of 0.6% previously.
In specific sectors, inflation rates saw a deceleration for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.3%, down from 3.4%), recreation and culture (2.2%, down from 2.6%), and restaurants and hotels (2.8%, down from 4.4%). Conversely, price growth slightly increased in the transport sector (1.9%, compared to 1.8% previously) and in the clothing and footwear sector (1.0%, up from 0.6%), while the inflation rate remained steady for housing and utilities at 4.1%, and for furnishings and household appliances at 0.4%. On a month-to-month basis, consumer prices remained unchanged following a previous decline of 0.8%. Additionally, the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) inflation, which excludes owner-occupied housing costs, saw a slight reduction to 2.5% from November's 2.6%.
