The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands rose to 2.7% in March 2026, a three-month high, up from 2.4% in February, according to preliminary estimates. The increase was driven mainly by a sharp rise in energy prices, including motor fuels, which climbed 6.5% after showing no growth in February. Inflation also picked up for food, beverages, and tobacco, accelerating to 2.0% from 1.4%.
In contrast, price growth for services eased to 3.8% from 4.2%, and inflation for industrial goods excluding energy and motor fuels held steady at 0.4%. The index for consumption abroad fell by 0.5%, following a 0.9% decline in the previous period.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices are expected to increase by 0.7%, moderating from a 1.0% rise in February. HICP-based inflation, which excludes owner-occupied housing costs, reached 2.6% in March, up from 2.3% in February.
