Lagarde, the level of inflation is unacceptable, but it will go down

(ANSA) - ROME, FEBRUARY 25 - The inflation rate in the euro area "is unacceptably high" but "it is likely to drop because energy prices are falling".

However, core inflation - excluding food and energy - "is currently still at an all-time high, reaching 5.3% in January".

    ECB President Christine Lagarde observed this in an interview.

Lagarde - when asked whether the ECB can decide on further increases in interest rates by half a percentage point after the one anticipated for March 16, she does not come off balance or exclude anything.

"We don't have a crystal ball. I want to see the new data and listen to my colleagues. It is on this basis that we will make a decision. One thing is certain: we will bring inflation back to 2% in a timely manner".

(HANDLE).