Inflation in Belgium decreased to 3.55 percent in February, Statistiekbureau Statbel reports. In January, inflation had exceeded 4 percent and the pivot index was exceeded, as a result of which the social benefits in February and the weds of government employees rise by 2 percent in March.
The most important price increases registered in February related to natural gas, electricity, flowers and plants, water consumption, motor fuels and the purchase of vehicles. Clothing, alcoholic beverages and items for pets, on the other hand, had a lowering effect on the index figure.
Inflation based on the health index drops from 4.09 percent to 3.70 percent in February. The core inflation, which does not take into account the evolution of the prices of energy products and the unprocessed foods, is 3.10 percent in February compared to 3.14 percent in January.
Earlier this month, the Planning Bureau announced that it would assume that the Spilindex will be exceeded again in August. After August, the Planning Bureau does not expect any further exceeding of the Spilindex in 2025 or 2026.