Montenegro’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.6% in February 2026, down from 2.9% in January, reaching its lowest level since March 2025. The deceleration was driven primarily by slower price growth in housing and utilities (4.1% vs 4.9%), while deflation in transport prices deepened slightly (-1.2% vs -1.1% in January).
Additional downward pressure on overall inflation came from more moderate increases in several categories: alcoholic beverages and tobacco (4.9% vs 5.7%), furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (2.5% vs 2.9%), health (8.8% vs 12.6%), recreation and culture (1.7% vs 2.4%), and personal care, social protection, and other miscellaneous goods and services (2.8% vs 3%).
Meanwhile, prices were broadly stable for food and non-alcoholic beverages (2.9%), information and communication (0.3%), education (0%), and insurance and financial services (2.7%).
On a monthly basis, consumer prices edged up by 0.2% in February, slightly faster than the 0.1% increase recorded in January. The annual harmonized inflation rate remained unchanged at 2.6% in February.
