Inflation rose to 6.9% in October. Diesel, rents and petrol record the highest price increases

The National Institute of Statistics (INS) announced on Thursday that the annual inflation rate reached 6.9% in October 2026. Compared to the previous month, consumer prices rose by 0.82%.

Since the beginning of the year (relative to December 2025), consumer prices have risen by 6.3%. The average inflation rate calculated over the past 12 months (November 2025 – October 2026) stood at 9%.

Based on the harmonised index of consumer prices — the indicator used for comparisons across the European Union — the annual inflation rate was 7% in October, with a monthly increase of 0.96% compared to September.

The largest price rises compared to October 2025

Diesel recorded the steepest price increase, at 43.45% more expensive than in October 2025. Rents rose by 38.46%, whilst petrol prices climbed by 32.91%.

Significant increases were also recorded for:

• Air transport: +14.44%
• Water, sewerage and waste collection services: +13.69%
• Television subscriptions: +13.10%

Among foodstuffs, coffee became 12.48% more expensive, eggs 10.50%, cow's milk 8.11%, edible oil 7.94%, beef 7.17%, and bread 4.50%.

Services record the largest category-wide increase

By consumption category, services saw the largest annual price rise, at 11.23%. Non-food goods became 7.66% more expensive, whilst food prices rose by an average of 3.07%.

In October compared to September, the largest monthly increases included thermal energy (+5.22%) and the category of "other vegetables and preserved vegetables" (+4.57%). Potatoes rose by 3.44% in a single month, diesel by 2.99%, electricity by 2.43%, and petrol by 1.99%.

By contrast, air transport became 10.57% cheaper compared to September, whilst intercity transport fares fell by 0.54%.

Products cheaper than a year ago

Not all products became more expensive. Fresh fruit was 15.38% cheaper than in October 2025, although prices did increase by 1.56% compared to September.

Lower prices compared to last year were also recorded for:

• "Other vegetables and preserved vegetables": -3.29%
• Maize flour: -2.86%
• Citrus and other southern fruits: -2.80%
• Potatoes: -2.53%
• Flour: -2.50%

The inflation rate reflects the average change in prices for a basket of goods and services. The impact felt by individual households may vary depending on their spending patterns. Those who allocate a larger share of their income to rent or fuel may experience price increases significantly above the national average.