Czech inflation among the highest in Europe as food prices rise

Czechia slipped in the European inflation ranking in March, placing 21st out of 41 countries, down from 25th in February, according to a report by investment platform Portu. Annual inflation held steady at 2.7 percent, slightly above the central bank's forecast. The increase was driven by faster-than-expected growth in food prices, while fuel prices dropped more sharply than anticipated. Among neighbouring countries, Poland and Slovakia recorded higher inflation rates, while Germany remained lower at 2.2 percent. The highest inflation in Europe was reported in Ukraine at 14.6 percent, followed by Russia at 10.5 percent.