The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands eased slightly to 2.8% in December from 2.9% in November, confirming preliminary estimates. This marks the lowest level since August, mainly driven by a sharper fall in bungalow park prices (-4.5% vs -0.3% in November) and lower motor fuel costs (-2% vs 0.6%). In main departments, inflation slowed for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.3% vs 3.4%), recreation and culture (2.2% vs 2.6%), and restaurants and hotels (2.8% vs 4.4%). In contrast, price growth picked up for transport (1.9% vs 1.8%) and clothing and footwear (1.0% vs 0.6%), while inflation was unchanged for housing and utilities (4.1%) and furnishings and household appliances (0.4%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices were flat after a 0.8% decline previously. Meanwhile, HICP inflation, which excludes owner-occupied housing, eased marginally to 2.5% from 2.6% in November.
