Italy's annual inflation rate rose to 1.6% in February, up from 1.0% in January, according to preliminary data released by Istat on Tuesday.
    The national statistics agency added that its consumer-price index leapt up 0.8% in month-on-month terms in February.
    "The acceleration of inflation was mainly due to the dynamics of prices of services related to the transport (from +0.7% to +3.0%), of services related to recreation, including repair and personal care (from +3.0% to +4.9%) and of unprocessed food (from +2.5% to +3.6%)," Istat said.
    The agency said its 'shopping trolley' index of the prices of food, household goods, and personal care products rose by 2.2%, up from 1.9% in January.

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