The inflation rate in the European region had increased, reaching its highest pace after three years. The surge is driven by the price hike for alcohol and tobacco, energy and food. Based on the report from the Eurostat, the inflation percentage for December gained 1.1% which is notably higher from November’s result of 0.6%. The highest rate occurred last 2013 in the month of September by which the result is also 1.1%. The final outcome is higher-than-expected which made the ECB’s target less than 2%. The energy prices surge by 2.5% yearly, while the value of food and intoxicants grew by 1.2% year over year. Moreover, the energy costs rose due to OPEC’s resolution to decrease the production output. The sharp jump lessened the fears of Europe regarding the possible deflation which could weakened the eurozone’s economic growth. Meanwhile, other core prices compelled by world markets had a limited rise from 0.8% to 0.9% only, this little progress would mean that the December’s inflation is “short-lived” according to analysts.
