The price-driving effect of the reduced VAT will no longer be included in the calculation from January.
(Photo: dpa)
Frankfurt The inflation rate in Germany fell slightly at the beginning of the year. Consumer prices rose by 4.9 percent in January, as the Federal Statistical Office announced on Monday based on an initial estimate. It is the first decline in the inflation rate after six increases in a row. However, economists had expected a lower value of 4.3 percent. In December, the price increase was 5.3 percent.
The figures for January had been eagerly awaited by economists because they hoped that they would provide a little more clarity about future developments. At the beginning of the year, for example, a number of special effects that recently fueled inflation expired. On the other hand, certain prices, such as for natural gas, are adjusted at the beginning of the year.