Annual inflation decreased in February 0 9

The average consumer price level over the past 12 months compared to the previous 12 months increased by 3.6% in February.

The greatest impact on the change in the price level in February this year compared to January was from the prices of transport goods and services (+0.2 percentage points), prices for leisure, sports, and cultural services (+0.1 percentage points), prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products (+0.1 percentage points), prices for housing maintenance, water supply, electricity, gas, and other types of fuel (+0.1 percentage points), as well as prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages (-0.1 percentage points) and prices in the personal care, social services, and various goods and services group (-0.1 percentage points).

Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 0.6% over the month.

The greatest influence on the decrease in the average price level in this group was mainly due to promotions affecting the prices of meat products (-3.7%). Under the influence of promotions, prices also decreased for butter (-9.4%), low-fat milk (-5.2%), soft drinks (-6.4%), cheese (-1.1%), dried, salted, and smoked meat (-1.6%), flour confectionery (-1.2%), and chocolate (-1.3%). Prices for fresh, chilled, or frozen pork decreased (-1.4%), olive oil (-7%), fruit and vegetable juices (-3.1%), and potatoes (-3.9%).

At the same time, prices for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables increased (+10.7%), fresh and frozen leafy vegetables (+10.1%), dried, salted, and smoked fish (+8.7%), spices, culinary herbs, and seeds (+6.9%), other fresh fruits (+5.7%), fresh berries (+4.9%), fresh dates, figs, and tropical fruits (+3.4%).

The average price level for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products increased by 1.2% over the month. Cigarette prices rose by 6.1%, while alcoholic beverages decreased by 1.6%, which was related to promotions on strong alcoholic beverages and liqueurs (-2.5%) and wine (-1.6%).

The average price level for housing maintenance, water supply, electricity, gas, and other types of fuel increased by 0.4% over the month.

The greatest influence on the price increase in this group came from solid fuel prices (+5.9%). Prices for materials for housing maintenance and repair also increased (+1.6%). Electricity prices rose on average by 0.2%, while the average price level for heat energy decreased by 0.4%.

In the healthcare group, the average price level increased by 0.6% over the month. The greatest influence on the price increase in this group as a result of the end of promotions came from medication prices. Dental services also became more expensive.

In the transport group, prices increased by 1.7% over the month, mainly due to rising fuel prices (+3.4%), including diesel fuel which rose by 3.8%, gasoline by 2.8%, and autogas by 0.3%. Over the month, prices for passenger air transportation, maintenance, and repair of personal vehicles increased. At the same time, prices for car tires decreased.

In the group of goods and services for leisure, sports, and culture, the average price level increased by 1.2% over the month, mainly due to the increase in the prices of comprehensive tourist services and goods for gardens, plants, and flowers. Prices for personal care services and goods, social services, and various goods and services decreased by 1.3% over the month. In other consumer groups, the most noticeable price increase over the month was observed in other household services. In turn, prices for preschool education, clothing, and furniture decreased.

The greatest influence on the change in the average consumer price level in February 2026 compared to February 2025 was from the prices of housing maintenance services, water supply, electricity, gas, and other types of fuel (+0.9 percentage points), food and non-alcoholic beverages (+0.7 percentage points). Significant influence was also exerted by healthcare prices (+0.3 percentage points), the cost of clothing and footwear (+0.2 percentage points), and transport services and goods (-0.2 percentage points).

In the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages, prices increased by 2.4% over the year.

The greatest influence on the increase in the average price level in this group over the year came from coffee prices (+16.7%), fresh, chilled, or frozen chicken meat (+12.2%), fresh or chilled fruits and vegetables (+15.6%), eggs (+18.2%), chocolate (+10.4%), as well as flour confectionery (+3.6%). Prices for dried, salted, and smoked fish became more expensive (+29.9%), fresh citrus fruits (+19%), dried, salted, and smoked meat (+5.3%), and fresh, chilled, or frozen beef (+23.1%).

At the same time, prices decreased for butter (-19.9%), olive oil (-22.5%), potatoes (-17.2%), fresh dates, figs, and tropical fruits (-11.9%), meat products (-2.3%), and low-fat milk (-5.1%).

In the clothing and footwear group, prices increased on average by 2.9% over the year. Clothing became more expensive by 2.3%, while footwear increased by 5.9%.

The average price level for housing maintenance, water supply, electricity, gas, and other types of fuel increased by 5.3% over the year. Prices for heat energy rose (+4.4%), electricity (+5.1%), water supply (+9.7%), solid fuel (+7.3%), sewage services (+13%), housing management fees (+3.9%), rent (+6.4%), and natural gas (+5.8%). Prices for housing maintenance, repair, and security services increased (+6.5%) and waste disposal (+5%). At the same time, prices for materials for housing maintenance and repair decreased (-1.3%).

In the healthcare group, the average price level increased by 4.1% over the year, while in the transport group, prices decreased on average by 1.7% over the year, mainly due to a 6.2% decrease in fuel prices.

In the information technology and telecommunications services group, the average price level increased by 2.5% over the year, in the restaurant and hotel services group - by 4.4%, in the personal care, social protection, various goods and services group - by 3.2%.

In other consumer groups, the most significant price increase over the year was observed for cigarettes, higher education, and sports services. At the same time, strong alcoholic beverages and liqueurs, wine, and beer became cheaper.