German inflation rises by 2.0 pct in April

The German inflation rate picked up again in April, data by the Federal Statistical Office showed on Friday.

The consumer prices rose by 2.0 percent in April compared to the same month in 2016, after its growth dipped to 1.6 percent in March from 2.2 percent in February.

The accelerated inflation in April was mainly driven by surging energy prices. Prices of mineral oil products, in particular, went up considerably by 14.3 percent year-on-year, of which heating oil prices soared 30.1 percent and motor fuels prices climbed 10.6 percent.

Besides, it was also influenced by the marked 10.5-percent increase in package holiday prices.

Food prices rose by 1.8 percent in April, but the rise in food prices continued to slow down year-on-year for the second consecutive month.

Compared with March, the consumer prices remained unchanged in April.

The inflation limit set by the European Central Bank for European Union member countries is also 2.0 percent. Endit