Brussels: Inflation in the eurozone rose to 3.2 percent year-on-year in May. Preliminary data released today by Eurostat, the European statistics office, showed that the rise in inflation was driven by a sharp increase in energy prices as a result of the war in the Middle East, as well as higher prices for services and manufactured goods.

According to Qatar News Agency, core inflation, which excludes energy and food prices, rose to 2.5 percent in May, compared to economists' expectations of 2.4 percent. This increase in core inflation indicates that the price rise is not only limited to energy and food but also affecting other sectors.

Furthermore, Eurostat data highlighted significant disparities in inflation rates across the eurozone. Bulgaria recorded the highest inflation rate in May at 6.3 percent year-on-year, while Malta experienced the lowest rate at 2.1 percent. This variation reflects the differing economic conditions and pressures faced by eurozone member states.