France's April inflation higher than expected at 5.4%

ANKARA

French inflation rose unexpectedly in April to see a record high driven by surging energy prices, preliminary EU-harmonised data showed on Friday.

"Year on year, the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices should rise by 5.4%, after +5.1% in March. Over one month, it should increase by 0.5%, after +1.6% in the previous month," the INSEE statistics agency said.

The main drivers of this upward trend are the rising energy prices, as well as service, food and manufactured goods.

The increase is especially backed by a 26.6% year-on-year rise in energy prices.