- Consumer prices in the 19 countries that use the euro currency soared at a record rate, led by a surge in food and energy costs.
- That is the highest level in the eurozone since recordkeeping began in 1997, breaking the record of 4.9% only just set in November.
- A stronger rise in food costs contributed to the increase in overall inflation, picking up pace to 3.2%, higher than the 2.2% rate posted in November.
