Eurozone annual inflation stood at an average of -0.2% in December, down from 0.3% in November.
This was the lowest rate since September 2009.
Portugal’s rate was just below the average at -0.3%. The country squeaked out of deflation with annual inflation rates of 0.1% in September, October and November.
The falling rate was ascribed by Eurostat to drops in fuel and heating oil prices as well as telecommunications.
Restaurant and cafe prices, on the other hand, went up as did rents.
The lowest annual inflation rates were noted in Greece (-2.5%), Spain (1.1%) and Cyprus (-1%).
