(BRUSSELS) - Inflation in the 15 countries sharing the euro cooled in April to 3.3 percent from a record high of 3.6 percent in March, according to a first estimate from the EU's Eurostat data agency on Wednesday.

Private sector economists had expected inflation to ease in April to 3.4 percent after hitting the March peak, driven by soaring oil and food prices.

Despite the lower rate, inflation remained far above the European Central Bank's comfort level, which it defines as close to but just below 2.0 percent on an annual basis.

Unlike some other major central banks like the US Federal Reserve, the Frankfurt-based ECB has so far opted not to cut interest rates in the face of weakening growth, concentrating instead on keeping a lid on inflation.

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