Germany’s producer prices accelerated at record speed

Germany’s producer prices inflation soared to a record high in May, reflecting the effects of the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical crisis.

The annual PPI advanced 33.60%, surpassing the consensus of a constant rate of 33.50%. Then, the energy sector contributed the main primary pressure, surging 87.10%. Subsequently, natural gas soared by 148.10%, hovering over a record high.

In addition, the electricity grew by 90.40%, and mineral oil products rose by 55.80%.

Excluding energy, producer prices edged up 16.50% from a year earlier. Then, other significant price increases came from intermediate goods, rising 25.10%.

Specifically, Germany’s metal sector climbed 38.10%, while fertilizers compounds jumped 110.90%. Then, wooden containers rose 67.40% as non-durable consumer goods hiked 14.70%.

At the same time, food surged by 19.20% as capital goods by 7.10%. This data marked the biggest increase since September 1975.

Meanwhile, on a monthly basis, producer prices edged up 1.60%, lower than the forecasted 1.50%. However, it eased from the prior 2.80% growth in April.

The upturn of Germany’s producer prices followed the surge of consumer inflation. The country’s CPI soared by 7.9% from a year earlier in May, matching the market estimates. The data also exceeded the precursory data of 7.40%.

Germany turns to coal, reducing reliance on Russia

On Sunday, Germany announced that it would reduce gas consumption and store as much natural gas as possible.

In the previous week, Moscow sharply slashed natural gas flows in its pipelines to western Europe, pushing energy prices. The higher fuel costs led to mounting inflation, weighing on all industries.

The Kremlin state gas giant Gazprom explained that supply reductions via the Nord Stream pipeline result from repair work. However, European Union officials asserted that the decision was to punish the allies of Ukraine.

Germany plans to use more coal-fired power plants to generate electricity. This move came amid concerns that Russia may cut off the supply in the near term.