2012.04.2607:12:00UTC+00Belgian Inflation Eases For Second Month

Consumer price inflation in Belgium slowed for the second consecutive month in April, data released by the statistical office showed Thursday.

Annual inflation slowed to 3.18 percent in April from 3.37 percent in March. In February and January, inflation rates were 3.66 percent and 3.65 percent respectively.

Energy prices were higher by 9.14 percent in April compared to last year, while in March they moved up 10.61 percent. Non-energy prices grew at a slightly slower rate of 2.31 percent in April than March's 2.32 percent.

The overall increase in prices was driven mainly by higher costs of gasoline, holiday packages, books and stationery and certain food items. This was offset by decline in costs of foreign travel, communication, fresh vegetable and flowers and heating oil, the agency said.