[The European Central Bank predicts inflation rate will reach 4.8% in the event of a severe energy crisis] Jin10 Data, March 19 – The latest forecast released by the European Central Bank on Thursday indicates that if oil and natural gas prices continue to rise and the ECB fails to raise interest rates, the inflation rate in the Eurozone could soar to 4.8% next year. In the extreme scenario envisioned by the ECB, oil prices would rise to nearly $150 per barrel and natural gas prices to €110 per megawatt-hour in the second quarter of this year. This would push the overall inflation rate to 4.4% this year, 4.8% next year, and eventually drop to 2.8% by 2028. The ECB stated: 'The significant rise in inflation levels (especially in extreme cases) could be partially offset by stricter monetary policies or fiscal support measures, which can reduce consumer energy prices.'