Surge in Belgian Inflation Blamed on End of Government Support Measures and Energy Costs

The cost of living indicator in March was at 3.18 percent, but increased to 3.37 percent in April. Food inflation dropped from 1 percent in May to 0.31 percent this month. However, energy inflation rose from 11.17 percent in May to 15.10 percent in June, with natural gas prices increasing by 6.0 percent and electricity prices rising by 3.4 percent this month.

The rising inflation is attributed to the phasing out of government support measures, according to the Belgian statistics office Statbel. Energy costs have increased by 15 percent compared to last year, with gas prices more than doubling. Overall, food prices have remained stable at a level higher than before the pandemic, with some products like milk and tea becoming cheaper over the past year.

In June, price increases were seen in natural gas, electricity, telecommunications packs, confectionery, restaurants, cafes, bread, cereals, domestic package holidays