Final May inflation figures for Germany on Wednesday confirmed preliminary findings that prices rose more quickly over the month, rising 2.4% compared to the same month last year.
That marks the first time monthly inflation has risen in 2024, according to data from Germany's Federal Statistical Office. Compared to the previous month of April, consumer prices rose by 0.1% in May, which also confirmed preliminary data from the agency.
"The inflation rate is slightly up again, mainly due to the continued increase in service prices," said Ruth Brand, the agency's leader, in a press release.
"By contrast, energy and food prices have had a dampening effect on overall inflation since the beginning of the year."
Inflation had been decreasing in Germany since hitting high levels in recent years, although those declines appeared to stall in April at a rate of 2.2%.
In May, prices for services increased by 3.9% compared to the same month last year, and the cost of insurance rose particularly sharply by 13.0%.
The cost of social services rose by 7.7%, while the cost of eating out increased by 6.9%.
Food cost 0.6% more than in the same month last year. Dairy products (down 5.1%) and fresh vegetables (down 3.5%) in particular became cheaper within a year. Edible fats and oils, on the other hand, were noticeably more expensive, up 8.4% - and olive oil in particular surged by 48.5%.
Energy products fell in price by 1.1%, even though the expiration of a tax break in early April pushed prices upward in the annual comparison.