The annual rate of inflation in the Netherlands hit 5.2% in April, according to a flash estimate from national statistics agency CBS. In March inflation was 4.4%.

In particular, food and drink remains expensive, rising in price 13% last month, but this was down two percentage points on the March figure, the CBS said.

Inflation started rising last February when Russia invaded Ukraine, as gas and electricity prices soared, reaching a peak of 14.5% in September. Energy prices have gone down again in recent months, but their impact on food and manufacturing remains.

Calculated according to harmonised European methods, which exclude the impact of rental housing, inflation was 5.9 in April, up from 4.5% in March.

The unions have been demanding high wage increases to compensation for inflation and this has been paying off, according to figures from employers advisory group AWVN.

It said on Tuesday that the average pay rise sealed in April deals was a record 7.7%, news website Nu.nl reported. In total, 21 pay and conditions deals were finalised last month, covering 70,000 workers.

The FNV trade union federation itself is the latest to be hit by strike action. Its headquarters staff of some 1,650 stopped work on Monday, calling for a better offer. A strike by Albert Heijn distribution centre workers is also leading to supermarket empty shelves.