The inflation rate in the Netherlands rose to 2,9% in December and was on average 2,5% last year, up from 2,3% in 2011, according to the latest figures from Statistics Netherlands.

The prices of bus and taxis, motor fuels, gas, clothing materials, and cigarettes all increased by over 5% in 2012 relative to 2011 prices.

Fuel prices in particular rose to unprecedented levels, due to the higher cost of crude oil, the excise duty increase in January 2012, and the VAT rate increase introduced on October 1.

Meanwhile, the prices of photo and film equipment, TV sets and audio and video equipment, computer equipment, and small household appliances all decreased substantially compared to 2011.

The consumer price of tap water also decreased, by 7%, because the groundwater tax was abolished in January 2012 and water companies passed the savings on to consumers.

The price of food products in the Netherlands increased by an average of 2% in 2012, slightly less than inflation.

Coffee and tea prices rose the most in 2012, becoming 3,9% more expensive than in 2011. On the other hand, the price of potatoes dropped 11,9% compared to 2011, when a poor potato harvest caused very high prices.