THE HAGUE, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Inflation in the Netherlands climbed sharply in April, exceeding the 4 percent mark for the first time since December last year, driven primarily by higher prices for food and services.
According to preliminary data released on Friday by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the annual inflation rate rose to 4.1 percent, up from 3.7 percent in March.
The steepest rise was observed in the cost of everyday groceries, with prices for food, beverages, and tobacco climbing 7.2 percent year-on-year.
Inflation in the services sector also intensified, reaching 5.6 percent in April - nearly a full percentage point higher than the previous month.
These upward trends were partially offset by declines in energy prices, including gasoline and diesel, which helped to moderate the overall inflationary impact.
The report signals the first notable uptick in inflation in the Netherlands since the recent announcement of global tariff hikes by U.S. President Donald Trump. Economists are closely watching to see whether prolonged trade tensions will further drive inflation. ■
