German inflation hits two-year high

Berlin: Inflation in Germany accelerated to the fastest in more than two years in January, led by higher costs for food and energy.

The inflation rate, calculated using a harmonized European method, increased to 2% after rising an annual 1.9% in December, the Federal Statistics Office said, confirming an initial estimate published on January 27.

That’s the fastest since October 2008. In the month, consumer prices fell 0.5% after rising 1.2% in December.