Inflation in February up to 1.6% says Istat

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 17 - Italy's annual inflation rate rose to 1.6% in February, according to final data released by Istat on Monday.
    The national statistics agency said its consumer price index for the whole nation (NIC), net of tobacco, was up by 0.2% in February in month-on-month terms.
    The preliminary estimate had been +1.7%.
    ISTAT also said that so-called 'shopping trolley' prices, including food, household and personal care products, remained stable, rising from +1.7% recorded in January to +2% in February, releasing definitive data on consumption prices.
    Preliminary estimates had said prices would rise to +2.2% last month.
    Meanwhile the price of products with high purchase frequency decreased from +2.0% in January to 1.9% in February. (ANSA).