Consumer prices 1.8% higher on average than in same month of previous year
Consumer prices were 1.8% higher on average in March 2026 than a year earlier. Over one month, consumer prices rose by 0.4% on average.
In 12 months, compared to March 2025:
Food prices stagnated (and decreased by 3.2% excluding food and beverage serving services), within which the price of other bakery products increased by 13.3%, that of buffet products by 9.7%, candy and honey prices and canned fish prices both by 7.9%, the price of fresh domestic and tropical fruits by 7.5%, that of meals at restaurants and canteens by 7.4% and ice cream prices by 6.6%. Within the product group, the price of canned meat lessened by 26.1%, that of margarine by 24.9%, potato prices by 18.5%, the price of pork fat by 18.4%, that of butter by 18.2%, milk product (excluding cheese) prices by 15.3%, the price of flour by 13.4% and that of milk by 13.1%. Services became 4.1%, within which theatre tickets 18.8%, recreation abroad 17.8%, recreation in the country 8.7%, other public entertainment tickets 8.4% and personal care services and the repairs and maintenance of vehicles both 7.8% more expensive. Alcoholic beverage and tobacco prices rose by 5.5%, within which tobacco prices by 7.2%. 4.3% more was to be paid for electricity, gas and other fuels, within which 7.9% more for natural and manufactured gas and 2.4% more for electricity. Consumer durable prices were up by 2.7%, within which jewellery cost 29.1%, motorcycles 6.7%, second-hand passenger cars 4.4% and living and dining room furniture 4.3% more for consumers. Pharmaceutical products became 6.0% more expensive, while motor fuel prices diminished by 3.0%.
In one month, compared to February 2026:
Consumer prices were up by 0.4% on average. Food prices lessened by 0.1% on average (and by 0.6% excluding food and beverage serving services), within which ice cream cost 1.3%, bacon 1.2%, other meat and tea both 1.1%, canned meat and buffet products both 1.0%, eggs 0.8% and edible oil 0.3% more, while dried vegetables 3.6%, butter 3.2%, coffee (at shops) 2.5%, pork fat 2.1%, pasta products 2.0%, sugar 1.8%, preserved and frozen fruits 1.6%, pork and milk products (excluding cheese) both 1.3%, milk 0.9% and chocolate and cocoa 0.4% less for consumers. Service prices increased by 0.2% on average, within which the transport of goods cost 5.5% more and other travels 0.9% less for consumers. Electricity, gas and other fuel prices stagnated, within which the price of purchased heat rose by 18.4%, while that of natural and manufactured gas was cut by 3.3% (Press release). Alcoholic beverage and tobacco prices were up by 0.2%, within which the price of alcoholic beverages by 0.4%. Motor fuel prices increased by 4.6%, and clothing and footwear cost 1.9% more for consumers.
Consumer price indices, March 2026
(%)
| Denomination | Previous month = 100.0 | Corresponding month of previous year = 100.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer price index | 100.4 | 101.8 |
| Harmonised index of consumer prices | 100.5 | 102.1 |
| Core inflation (original, seasonally unadjusted)a) | 100.1 | 101.9 |
| Consumer price index for pensioners | 100.3 | 101.6 |
a) The seasonally adjusted index is available in Table 1.2.1.9 of Summary tables (Stadat).