Germany's index of selling prices in wholesale trade increased 5.0 percent on a year-on-year basis in May, the highest gain since a 5.5-percent rise in November 2000, the Federal Statistics Office said on Monday.

Statistics show that the index grew at an annual rate of 3.2 percent and 2.5 percent in April and March this year, and rose by 0.7 percent in May over the previous month.

The index combines the price developments for goods produced within the country and for those imported. Excluded are sales from producers direct to retailers or ultimate consumers.

Source: Xinhua