Brussels: The annual inflation rate in the euro area reached 3% in April, marking the highest level since September 2023, as announced by Eurostat on Wednesday. This increase comes after a 2.6% rate recorded in March, indicating a notable rise in inflationary pressures within the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the inflation rate in the European Union also saw an increase from 2.8% to 3.2% during the same period. Energy prices experienced the most significant surge, with a 10.8% increase year-on-year in April, contributing heavily to the overall inflation rise.

In a comparison with March 2026, annual inflation demonstrated varied trends across the member states. It fell in five countries, remained stable in one, and increased in 21 others. Sweden, Denmark, and Czechia reported the lowest annual rates at 0.5%, 1.2%, and 2.1%, respectively. Conversely, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia faced the highest annual rates, registering at 9.5%, 6.0%, and 5.4%.