Overview
- Preliminary Istat data show consumer prices rose 0.2% on the month and 1.2% on the year in December, returning to October’s rate after declines in September–November.
- The uptick was driven by higher transport services and food prices, partly offset by a deeper fall in regulated energy; core measures ticked up in December and averaged about 1.8–1.9% in 2025.
- Grocery and household essentials accelerated to 2.2% year over year in December, with Codacons estimating about €496 in extra 2025 outlays for a typical family.
- Istat reports stronger household purchasing power and an 11.4% saving rate in Q3 2025, though consumption growth remained weak at 0.3% quarter on quarter.
- Eurostat’s flash puts euro‑area inflation at 2.0% for December, and a revised HICP classification taking effect on 4 February 2026 will add items such as gambling to the index.