Belgium's annual inflation hits 39-year high in January

The annual inflation rate in Belgium reached 7.59% in January 2022, hitting the highest level since 1983, according to official data released on Friday.

The country's official statistical department, Statbel, announced that the rate increased from 5.71% in December.

"The consumer price index increased by 2.58 points or 2.23% over the month," it said.

Statbel said that the high inflation stemmed from increasing energy prices in the recent period.