Czech Republic Inflation Slows in May

The annual inflation rate in the Czech Republic eased to 2.1% year-on-year in May 2026 from 2.5% in the previous month and came in slightly below market expectations of 2.3%, according to preliminary estimates. The slowdown was mainly due to softer price increases in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (3.7% vs 5.2% in April), goods (0.6% vs 1.1%), and services (4.7% vs 4.8%). At the same time, costs for food and soft drinks continued to decline (-1.9% vs -1.3%).In contrast, energy prices increased further (1.8% vs. 1.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.1% in May 2026, slowing from a 0.5% increase in the previous month.

The annual inflation rate in the Czech Republic rose to 2.5% year-on-year in April 2026 from 1.9% in the previous month, confirming preliminary estimates and marking the highest reading since October 2025. Price growth continued for several categories namely housing and utilities (1.2% vs 1% in March), transport (8.7% vs 5.5%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (5.2% vs 3.3%), recreation, sports and culture (3.4% vs 2.5%), information and communication (3.4% vs 2.9%), and health (4% vs 3.9%). Conversely, inflation eased for furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (1.4% vs 1.7%), restaurants and accommodation services (4.3% vs 4.4%), and personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (3.5% vs 3.7%). Deflation also continued for food and non-alcoholic beverages (-1.3% vs -1.1%) and clothing and footwear (-2.4% vs -2.6%), though at a softer pace. On a monthly basis, consumer prices slowed slightly to 0.5% in April from 0.6%.

The annual inflation rate in the Czech Republic rose to 2.5% year-on-year in April 2026 from 1.9% in the previous month, in line with market expectations, according to preliminary estimates. This marked the highest level since October 2025, driven by a sharp increase in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (5.2% vs 3.3% in March). Prices also rebounded for energy (1.5% vs -1.7%), while goods inflation accelerated (1.1% vs 0.1%) and services edged up (4.8% vs 4.7%). In contrast, deflation in food and soft drinks persisted (-1.3% vs -1.1%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.5% in April, slightly above market expectations of 0.4% and easing from 0.6% in the previous month.