According to the “Rapid estimates” service of Eurostat the Statistics Office of the European Community the annualised rate of inflation in the Eurozone for January 2006 was 2.4%, two tenths of a percentage point higher than the figure for December 2005 (2.2%). The figure, unusual after the Christmas period, according to analysts, is mainly due to the rise in the price of petrol for transport and heating and the psychological repercussions on consumers of avian influenza. The rapid estimate a gauge introduced two years ago and considered highly reliable is calculated from the so-called historic data of European states added to data on price trends during the particular month being analysed. For further information, consult:
