February inflation 1.5% - ISTAT

(ANSA) - Rome, February 28 - Italy's annual inflation rate climbed to 1.5% this month, the highest level since March 2013 when it was 1.6%, according to a preliminary estimate released by ISTAT on Tuesday. The annual inflation rate was 1% in January and 0.5% in December. The consumer price index was 0.3% up in month-on-month terms. The national statistics agency said the rise was driven by unprocessed foods, up 8.8% on the same time last year, energy (up 12.1%) and transport services (up 2.4%).