Inflation dropped to 6.2% in August. Diesel and rents among the biggest price increases

The National Institute of Statistics (INS) announced on Friday that the annual inflation rate fell to 6.2% in August 2026, down from 8.2% in July. In practical terms, prices continue to rise, but at a slower pace than before.

According to official data, the consumer price index for August 2026 compared to July 2026 stood at 100.22%. The year-to-date inflation rate (August 2026 against December 2025) reached 4.6%.

Calculated on the basis of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), the annual inflation rate in August 2026 compared to August 2025 was 6.3%, whilst the monthly harmonised index (August against July) stood at 100.26%.

The average rate of change in consumer prices over the last 12 months (September 2025 – August 2026), compared with the preceding 12 months, was 9.5%, or 8.6% according to the HICP.

The drop from 8.2% to 6.2% is explained by the fact that the impact of last year's electricity bill increases is no longer being felt.

The biggest price rises

In the food category, the largest price increase was recorded for coffee, at over 15%. This was followed by eggs, beef, cow's milk, and cooking oil.

Among non-food products, diesel saw the steepest rise, up 34% compared to last year. Petrol increased by 25%, whilst district heating bills are more than 10% higher.

Services also recorded significant price rises over the past year. Rents increased the most, by an average of nearly 40% compared to last year, followed by water and sewerage bills and the cost of car repairs.

At the end of August, the National Bank of Romania revised its inflation forecast for the end of the year upwards, to 6.1%, from a previous estimate of 5.5%, as a result of drought and the energy crisis.