Inflation in the 12-nation eurozone accelerated to an annual rate of 2.0 percent in April from 1.7 percent in March, the European Union statistics office said on Tuesday, confirming its flash estimate from last month.
Compared with March, harmonised consumer prices in April rose by 0.4 percent, Eurostat said.
The rise in inflation was in line with the expectations of economists and the European Commission, which last month said it had anticipated a slight pickup following low rates in the first few months of the year. The Commission forecasts a 1.8 percent inflation rate for the full year.
Compared with March, energy prices rose by 1.1 percent in April, reflecting the rise in oil prices. European officials have voiced concern over the impact of higher oil prices but also that inflation remains in check over the long run.
The core rate of inflation, which excludes volatile energy and unprocessed food costs and is referred to by the European Central Bank, rose by 0.5 percent in April for an annual rate of 2.1 percent.
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