The annual inflation rate rose to 8.34% in September 2026, up from a ten‑month low of 8.26% in August, reaching its highest level since June. Price increases accelerated across most major categories, led by food and non-alcoholic beverages (7.22% vs. 7.02% in August), housing and utilities (9.81% vs. 9.44%), and transport (9.46% vs. 9.41%). Inflation also picked up for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics (11.99% vs. 11.83%), clothing and footwear (10.31% vs. 9.94%), health (3.73% vs. 3.48%), communication (7.76% vs. 7.75%), recreation and culture (9.54% vs. 9.30%), education (7.51% vs. 7.34%), and restaurants and hotels (13.26% vs. 12.49%).
By contrast, price growth slowed for furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (6.19% vs. 6.67%), as well as for miscellaneous goods and services (11.83% vs. 14.75%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 1.12%, decelerating from a 2.31% increase in August and marking the smallest monthly gain since June.
