Consumer prices in February were 2.5 percent higher than in the same month last year. It was the lowest value since June 2021 at 2.4 percent.
Economists expect inflation to fall further over the course of the year. Stress factors include the increase in the CO₂ price from 30 euros per ton of carbon dioxide to 45 euros. The European Central Bank is aiming for price stability in the euro area in the medium term with an inflation rate of two percent. However, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel warned: “Even if the temptation may be great, it is too early to cut interest rates”