Italian inflation hit a 12-year high of 3.6% in May, up from 3.3% in April.
The rate is the highest since August 1996, national statistics bureau Istat said.
Bread prices rose 13.3% and pasta 20.7%, making daily shopping 5.4% dearer than a year ago.
Fuel prices rose again with petrol up 11% and diesel 26% up.
