Inflation in Greece Eases to 2% in April, Despite Sharp Price Hikes in Energy, Travel, Beverages

Inflation in Greece slowed to 2% in April 2025 from 2.4% in March, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). Food inflation also eased slightly, reaching 2% from 2.2% the previous month.

Despite the overall moderation, several categories saw steep price increases. As reported by ELSTAT, natural gas prices surged by 29.9%, airfares rose 27.6%, and residential rents climbed 10.8%. Significant hikes were also recorded in the “coffee-cocoa-tea” category (10.6%) and holiday packages (9.8%).

Conversely, notable price drops were observed in key items. Olive oil prices plummeted by 28.3%, while heating oil fell 12.9%. Declines were also seen in audiovisual equipment (–12.6%), fuels and lubricants (–10.1%), and sauces-condiments (–7.4%).

The 2.0% annual inflation rate in April 2025 compares to a 3.1% rise during the same period a year earlier, as reported by ELSTAT. Month-on-month, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed no change in April, following a 0.5% increase in April 2024.

Over the twelve-month period from May 2024 to April 2025, average inflation stood at 2.5%, slightly down from 2.8% in the previous twelve-month span, according to ELSTAT.

The sectors contributing most to the annual rise include:

Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: up 2.0%, led by increases in bread, meat, dairy, and beverages, though partially offset by drops in cheese and olive oil.

• Clothing and Footwear: up 4.6%.
• Housing: up 3.4%, driven by rising rents and natural gas costs.
• Health: up 1.7%, mainly due to higher costs for medical products and services.
• Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants: up 6.4%.
• Education: up 2.6%.
• Declines were seen in:
• Durable Goods and Household Services: down 0.6%.
• Transport: down 0.8%, despite airfare increases, due to falling fuel and used car prices.
• Other Goods and Services: down 0.4%, led by lower personal care item prices.

On a monthly basis, price increases in airfares, clothing, and restaurants were balanced by declines in electricity, gas, food, and personal care items, resulting in the CPI remaining flat between March and April.

Source: tovima.com