The inflationhas accelerated one tenth in April, until 3.3%, mainly due to rising prices of gas and foodaccording to the advance CPI data published this Monday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
If confirmed on May 14, core inflationthat is, once the most volatile elements of the shopping basket (unprocessed foods and energy products) have been eliminated It will have moderated four tenths, to 2.9%, placing it below the general index for the first time in almost two years.
Core inflation has been declining for nine consecutive months, since July 2023, when the rate was 6.2%, while general inflation does not show a clear trend, although it does seem to maintain growth of around 3%. .
The increase of one tenth of the general index has been influenced by the increase in gas prices, which were falling a year ago, the higher cost of food, and, to a lesser extent, the lower cost of electricity.
In the opposite direction, the lower prices for leisure and culturewhich rose in April 2023.
The Ministry of Economy has pointed out that the inflation data continues to reflect the capacity of the Spanish economy to make the highest economic growth among the main countries in the euro zone compatible with a moderation in prices and the maintenance of support for the most vulnerable.
“The gradual moderation of inflation translates into the improvement of the purchasing power of families and the competitiveness of Spanish companies,” they added from the Department headed by Carlos Body.
In monthly terms, consumer prices rose 0.7% during April, below the increase in March, when with 0.8% they marked the largest increase since February of last year.
Regarding the harmonized data for comparison with Europe, the annual variation rate of the HICP was 3.4%, one tenth above that registered the previous month, while the monthly variation was 0.6%.
