The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands inched up to a three‑month high of 3.3% in August 2026, from 3.2% in July, in line with preliminary estimates. The increase was largely driven by faster inflation in housing and utilities (4.1% vs 3.9% in July), reflecting higher costs for electricity, gas, and fuels. Inflation also accelerated for alcoholic beverages (1.9% vs 1.6%) and for clothing and footwear (1.1% vs 0.2%).
By contrast, price pressures in several categories eased. Transport inflation slowed slightly to 8.3% from 8.6%, while inflation in restaurants moderated to 3.8% from 4.6%, and in recreation, sports, and culture to 2.2% from 3.2%. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fell more sharply, declining 1.0% year-on-year after a 0.4% drop in July.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3% in August, down from a 1.6% increase in the previous month. Meanwhile, HICP-based annual inflation, which excludes owner-occupied housing costs, eased to 2.8% from 3.0% in July. Prices of goods and services purchased abroad, however, rose markedly, increasing 7.4% year-on-year compared with 4.8% in the prior month.
