The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands rose to 3.5% in May 2026, up from 2.8% in April, according to preliminary estimates. This was the highest rate since March 2025 and reflected faster price increases across most major categories. Energy, including motor fuels, climbed 9.9% year-on-year, compared with 7.9% in April, driven by higher fuel and utility costs.
Services inflation accelerated to 4.7% from 3.6%, while prices for industrial goods excluding energy and motor fuels increased by 0.7%, up from 0.3%. By contrast, inflation for food, beverages, and tobacco eased to 0.4%, down from 1.5%.
Consumption abroad increased 5.6%, following a 3.4% rise in the previous period. On a monthly basis, consumer prices were up 0.1% in May, moderating from a 1.1% jump in April. The flash estimate for HICP inflation, which excludes owner‑occupied housing costs, came in at 3.4% in May, accelerating from 2.5% in April.
