Inflation in the Netherlands in January rose to 2.5 percent whereas in December consumer prices were still 2.4 percent higher compared to a year earlier.

The Dutch statistics office reports that the increase is mainly due to higher prices for petrol, natural gas and electricity.

Petrol prices increased by six percent to an average of 1.688 euros per litre, the highest monthly average ever. Natural gas was 9.8 percent more expensive and electricity 6.5 percent.

gsh