Euro zone inflation rose to 2.8% in April, the highest level for 30 months, from 2.7% in March, European Union data showed today.
Inflation in the 17-nation area is at its highest since October 2008 when it hit 3.2%, according to the Eurostat data agency. In April 2010, the rate was 1.6%.
April 2011 was the fifth month in a row in which inflation was above the 2% target limit set by the European Central Bank.
Inflation in the 17-nation euro zone rose above that ceiling for the first time since late 2008 in December, hitting 2.2%, before rising to 2.3% in January and 2.4% in February.
The faster than forecast acceleration, fuelled by a spike in energy costs as well as for raw materials, last month prompted the ECB to lift its benchmark interest rate to 1.25% for the first time in nearly three years.
The highest rises were noted in Romania, with 8.4%, Estonia at 5.4% and Lithuania and Hungary, both at 4.4%.
Highest annual rates per sector were transport, which rose 5.9%, and housing at 5%. Highest monthly rates were clothing at 2.6% and transport, 1.1%.
