Inflation hits 6.9%, highest level since 1986 - ISTAT

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 31 - Italy's annual inflation rate climbed to 6.9% this month, the highest level since it stood at 7% March 1986, according to a preliminary estimate released by ISTAT on Tuesday.
    That was up from an annual inflation rate of 6% in April.
    The national statistics agency said an additional acceleration in energy prices, from +39.5% to +42.2%, fuelled the rise in the overall inflation rate.
    It said its consumer-price index was up by 0.9% in month-on-month terms.
    The agency said the increase in its trolley index of frequently bought items such as food and household goods rose from 5.7% in April to 6.7% this month, again the highest level since March 1986, when it was 7.2%. (ANSA).