国际英语新闻：Prices rise in Spain in December

MADRID, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The rate of inflation in Spain climbed to 2.9 percent during the last month of 2010, according to figures published Monday.

The Harmonized Consumer Price Index (IPCA), published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), situates the level of inflation at 2.9 percent, following a steep 0.7 percent rise between November and December and follows on the back of a 0.5 percent climb in prices witnessed in November.

That means inflation is currently at its highest level since October 2008, when it stood at 3.6 percent.

The reasons for the steep rise in prices are the increases in the price of tobacco, fuel and lubricants.

Ironically the consecutive price increases may actually turn out to be good news for most Spaniards given that annual inflation based wage increases are based on the inflation level during the month of December. As a result, Spaniards can expect to find a little extra money in their monthly pay packet.

The Spanish government has said that it expects inflation to remain above 2 percent for the next few months, while adding that future changes depend on factors such as the possible change in energy costs.