Austria’s Ministry of Finance published an initial reaction from Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer to the inflation flash estimate, noting that the inflation rate eased slightly in December but remains well above acceptable levels. He said the federal government has already taken initial steps to curb inflation and expects these measures to start showing effects soon. Measures cited include the rent brake for housing, actions affecting energy prices, and regulatory measures related to food prices. Marterbauer highlighted particularly strong price increases in the services sector, including accommodation and gastronomy, and reiterated plans to examine fuel prices more closely, arguing that the sharp fall in global crude oil prices has not been reflected at the pump.