The National Bank of Romania held its benchmark interest rate steady at 6.50% in its first policy meeting of 2026, marking the eleventh consecutive pause and in line with market expectations. Headline inflation slightly eased to 9.7% in December 2025 but remains far above the 1.5–3.5% target, with core inflation continuing to rise. GDP growth rebounded to 1.7% year-on-year in Q3, supported by investment, private consumption, and net exports, though domestic demand remains weak and Q4 is expected to stagnate. The labor market stayed fragile: unemployment rose to 6.1% in Q3 and fell slightly in October–November, while employment continued to decline and wage growth moderated. Financial conditions improved as interbank rates and bond yields fell, the leu strengthened, and credit growth slowed. Looking ahead, inflation is expected to gradually decline, influenced by fiscal consolidation, European fund absorption, structural reforms, and global monetary and geopolitical developments. source: National Bank of Romania

The benchmark interest rate in Romania was last recorded at 6.50 percent. Interest Rate in Romania averaged 5.15 percent from 2005 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 12.50 percent in May of 2005 and a record low of 1.25 percent in January of 2021. This page provides the latest reported value for - Romania Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. Romania Interest Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on February of 2026.

The benchmark interest rate in Romania was last recorded at 6.50 percent. Interest Rate in Romania is expected to be 6.50 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Romania Interest Rate is projected to trend around 5.00 percent in 2027, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2025-10-08 12:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5% 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%
2025-11-12 12:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5% 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%
2026-01-19 01:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5% 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%
2026-02-17 01:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Banks Balance Sheet 996214.61 964993.85 RON Million Dec 2025
Cash Reserve Ratio 5.00 5.00 percent Jan 2026
Central Bank Balance Sheet 408584.41 409757.56 RON Million Dec 2025
Deposit Interest Rate 5.50 5.50 percent Jan 2026
Foreign Exchange Reserves 65812.00 64800.00 EUR Million Jan 2026
Interest Rate 6.50 6.50 percent Jan 2026
Lending Rate 7.50 7.50 percent Jan 2026
Loans to Private Sector 215930.30 216444.70 RON Million Dec 2025
Money Supply M0 137658.90 137272.10 RON Million Dec 2025
Money Supply M1 481582.30 465471.00 RON Million Dec 2025
Money Supply M2 795408.30 768605.10 RON Million Dec 2025
Money Supply M3 795408.30 768605.10 RON Million Dec 2025


Romania Interest Rate
In Romania, interest rates decisions are taken by the Board of the National Bank of Romania (Banca Nationala a Romaniei). The official interest rate is the Policy Rate.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
6.50 6.50 12.50 1.25 2005 - 2026 percent Daily

News Stream
Romania Holds Key Rate at 6.50%
The National Bank of Romania held its benchmark interest rate steady at 6.50% in its first policy meeting of 2026, marking the eleventh consecutive pause and in line with market expectations. Headline inflation slightly eased to 9.7% in December 2025 but remains far above the 1.5–3.5% target, with core inflation continuing to rise. GDP growth rebounded to 1.7% year-on-year in Q3, supported by investment, private consumption, and net exports, though domestic demand remains weak and Q4 is expected to stagnate. The labor market stayed fragile: unemployment rose to 6.1% in Q3 and fell slightly in October–November, while employment continued to decline and wage growth moderated. Financial conditions improved as interbank rates and bond yields fell, the leu strengthened, and credit growth slowed. Looking ahead, inflation is expected to gradually decline, influenced by fiscal consolidation, European fund absorption, structural reforms, and global monetary and geopolitical developments.
2026-01-19
Romania Central Bank Holds Rate for Tenth Straight Meeting
The National Bank of Romania kept its benchmark rate at 6.50% on November 12, marking the tenth consecutive pause and matching expectations. The move aims to ensure price stability while supporting growth. Inflation edged up to 9.88% in September from 9.85% in August, as higher fuel, energy, and non-food prices offset declines in food and tobacco. The NBR expects inflation to ease gradually but remain above earlier forecasts due to the end of the electricity price cap and recent tax hikes. The labor market showed slight job losses and a small dip in unemployment to around 6%, while wage growth stayed strong. Policymakers highlighted fiscal uncertainty under the EU’s structural plan and external risks tied to trade tensions, the war in Ukraine, and EU investment priorities. The bank underscored the need to absorb EU funds to offset fiscal tightening and support reforms.
2025-11-12
Romania Holds Rate as Inflation Surges on Tax Hikes
The National Bank of Romania kept its benchmark interest rate at 6.50% in its October 8, 2025 meeting, marking the ninth consecutive pause in line with expectations. Inflation jumped to 9.85% in August from 5.66% in June, driven by the removal of the electricity price cap and higher VAT and excise taxes introduced on August 1. The bank expects inflation to peak in Q3 before easing, though pressures persist from supply shocks and high labor costs. Employment dipped slightly in June–July, but unemployment edged down to 6%, and hiring intentions improved modestly in September, especially in trade. Wage growth slowed but remained elevated. The NBR said fiscal tightening should aid disinflation by cooling demand and narrowing external imbalances, while warning of risks from fiscal adjustments, global trade uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions.
2025-10-08