The strongest upward push on annual inflation in January came from a 2.1% rise in the HICP of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, followed by cost of recreation and culture with a 1.6% increase and health with a 1.5% rise, the Tirana-based institute said.

On a monthly comparison basis, HICP rose 1.5% in January, after rising 0.4% in the previous month. Albania's non-harmonized consumer price inflation slowed to 0.4% year-on-year in January, from 1.1% in December, Instat reported earlier.