BERLIN, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The inflation rate in Germany has decreased significantly in May, according to preliminary figures released by the Federal Statistical Office on Tuesday.
The inflation rate, as measured by the consumer price index, is expected to be 1.5 percent in May 2017, compared to two percent in April. This is the lowest rate since November 2016.
The European Central Bank considers inflation rates of under two percent stable for European countries. The harmonized index of consumer prices for Germany in May is expected to increase by only 1.4 percent year-on-year.
These statistics are strongly influenced by the small year-on-year increase of two percent in May concerning the price for household energy and motor fuels. In comparison, the rate of consumer price index change for energy was over five percent in April and March. The price change in services also decreased by 0.5 percent in May compared to April to 1.2 percent. The year-on-year consumer price index for food increased by 0.6 percent compared to the previous month.
The final statistical results for May 2017 will be released on June 14.
