Czech inflation climbs to 2.5 percent in April

Czech consumer price inflation rose to 2.5 percent in April on a 12-month comparison after 1.9 percent in March, the Czech Statistical Office announced on Thursday. In April, prices rose by 0.7 percent compared with March. March's monthly rise was 0.3 percent from the February figure. April's 12-month figure represents "the biggest rise in prices registered over the last seven months," the office added, explaining that the jump was mainly caused by a 4.8 percent hike in the cost of food products and non-alcoholic drinks. Analysts said they expect the annual inflation rate to ease to around 2.2 percent.