Romania Inflation Rate at 6-Month High

Romania’s annual inflation rate picked up to 9.9% in March 2026 from 9.3% in the previous month, but came below market expectations of 10.4%. This marked the highest level since September 2025, driven mainly by stronger price pressures in non-food goods (10.89% vs 9.41% in February), largely due to a sharp increase in fuel costs (12.93% vs 4.19%). In contrast, inflation eased slightly in services (11.05% vs 11.37%) and food products (7.67% vs 7.89%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices grew by 0.78% in March, accelerating from a 0.59% increase in the preceding period. Meanwhile, the HICP-based annual inflation rate rose to 9.0% in March from 8.3% in the prior period.

Romania’s inflation rate edged down to 9.3% year-on-year in February 2026 from 9.6% in the previous month, slightly lower from market expectations of a 9.4% growth. Price growth slowed in services (11.37% vs 11.59% in January), particularly in water supply, sewage collection, refuse collection (17.21% vs 17.59%), medical care (12.59% vs 13.16%), hygiene and cosmetics (15.94% vs 17.75%), and urban transport (10.02% vs 11.23%). At the same time, inflation increased at a slower pace in non-food goods (9.41% vs 9.99%). In contrast, costs grew in food products (7.89% vs 7.86%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices grew by 0.59% in February, easing from a 0.86% gain in the preceding period.

Romania’s inflation rate edged down to 9.6% year-on-year in January 2026, from 9.7% in the previous month, marking the lowest reading since July 2025. Price growth slowed in services (11.59% vs. 11%), particularly in making and repairing clothing and footwear (14.87% vs. 15.12%), urban transport (11.23% vs. 13.75%), and restaurants, cafés, and canteens (11.68% vs. 12.01%). However, costs increased for food products (7.86% vs. 7.75%) and non-food products (9.99% vs. 10.48%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by a five-month high of 0.86%, following a 0.22% increase in the previous period.