Inflation in Finland, as measured by the European Union's harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP), moderated for the second consecutive month in January, albeit slightly, according to preliminary data released by Statistics Finland on Monday.
The HICP experienced a year-over-year increase of 1.6% in January, down from the 1.7% rise observed in the previous month. Notably, the annual price growth for food and non-alcoholic beverages slowed to 0.93% from 1.23% in December. Additionally, a 0.78% decrease in utility costs contributed to the moderation in price increases. Conversely, transport costs saw a more significant rise, with a 1.97% increase.
Comparatively, on a month-to-month basis, the HICP edged up by 0.4% in January, compared to a 0.2% increase in December.