Harmonised inflation rises to 2.4 in April from 2.3
Core inflation eases to 3.0 from 3.3 in March
Upward price trend in services weakens

BERLIN, April 29 Reuters German inflation rose slightly in April due to higher food prices and a smaller drop in energy prices than in previous months, preliminary data from the federal statistics office showed on Monday.

German consumer prices, harmonised to compare with other European Union countries, rose 2.4 in April, compared with 2.3 yearonyear in March.

The downward trend in the German inflation rate that has been observed for a year and a half may have come to an end for the time being, Commerzbank economist Ralph Solveen said, adding that the inflation rate is likely to rise again in coming months.

The German data was released ahead of the publication of paneuro zone figures due on Tuesday, with inflation in the bloc expected to have remained at 2.4 in April, according to economists polled by Reuters.

The final stretch to the price target will be difficult, said Alexander Krueger, chief economist at Hauck Aufhaeuser Lampe Privatbank. The uneasy feeling of unpleasant inflation surprises remains.

Still, the European Central Bank has clearly signalled it will start lowering borrowing costs in June.

In Germany, slightly more companies than in the previous month are intending to increase their prices, according to a survey by the Ifo institute published on Monday.

Inflation is unlikely to fall any further in the…