Figures released on Thursday show that inflation in Belgium is at its highest level since August 2023. In June the annual inflation rate stood at 3.74%. Gas and electricity in particular have become more expensive. The reason for this is that the support measures taken by the Federal Government to help keep energy affordable have now come to an end.
At 3.74% the current inflation rate is the highest since August last year when annual inflation stood at 3.74%. Inflation fell to 3.18% in March and rose to 3.3% in April and May.
During the past year energy prices in particular have risen sharply. Gas and electricity are currently 15.1% more expensive than they were in June 2023. However, this doesn’t necessary mean that gas and electricity bills will rise sharply, but rather that measures to make energy affordable have come to an end and are no longer taken into account. These measures were taken during the energy crisis to help Belgians foot soaring energy bills.
With regard to food and drink the annual inflation rate fell from 1% in May to 0.31% in June.
What has become more expensive and what has become cheaper?
Natural gas, electricity, telecommunications, confectionery, restaurant and café meals, bread and cereals, domestic package holidays, household appliances and repairs carried out on such appliances, clothing and hotel rooms have become more expensive.
Fuel for vehicles (petrol, diesel, LPG), fruit, alcoholic beverages and fish and seafood have all become cheaper.