Over 86% of Romanians expect prices to rise within 6 months

A new survey shows that the vast majority of Romanians are bracing for price rises in the coming period. According to the second edition of the New Money Economic Sentiment Index – INSCOP, 86.1% of respondents expect prices to increase over the next six months. This figure represents a slight rise compared to the June measurement, when 84.5% of those surveyed held the same view.

The remaining responses paint a relatively stable picture of the population's economic perceptions:

• 7.9% of respondents believe prices will stay the same (compared to 8.5% in June)
• 4.3% anticipate a decrease in prices (compared to 3.8% in June)
• 1.8% did not provide an answer (compared to 3.1% in June)

Remus Ștefureac, Director of INSCOP Research, explained that the small variations between the two measurements, taken in June and September, do not indicate a shift in perception, but rather a consolidation of the economic distrust already prevalent among the population. "The September data and its comparison with that from June 2026 show us that we are entering a phase of 'normalisation of economic uncertainty'. Not in the sense that people consider the situation normal or acceptable, but that they are beginning to adapt their decisions to the assumption that difficulties will persist, thereby expressing a form of resilience," he stated.

In addition to price expectations, the Economic Sentiment Index also measures public perceptions relating to income, personal financial situation, and willingness to make purchases or investments.

The survey was conducted between 1 and 7 September 2026 via telephone interviews, on a sample of 1,100 people. The maximum margin of error is ±2.95%, at a confidence level of 95%.

The full results of the study will be presented on Wednesday, 23 September, at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies.