Consumer prices in Latvia in May of this year increased by 0.5% compared to April, while the annual inflation rate was 3.5%, compared to 2.9% a month earlier, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau.
In May 2026, compared to May 2025, the greatest influence on the rise in the price level was exerted by services and goods in the transport group (+1.4 percentage points), mainly fuel, as well as housing, water supply, electricity, gas, and other fuels (+1 percentage point). Prices for restaurant and hotel services (+0.4 percentage points) and healthcare services (+0.3 percentage points) also had a significant impact.
In the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages, prices decreased by 0.8% over the year.
The greatest influence on the decline in the average price level in this group over the year was exerted by prices for butter (-17.6%), fresh dates, figs, and tropical fruits (-22.7%), cheese (-4.8%), potatoes (-20.4%), fresh and chilled vegetables (-24.1%), vegetable oils (-11.7%), skimmed milk (-8%), meat products (-2.7%), other fresh fruits (-11.5%), chocolate (-3.5%), ice cream (-3.6%), fruit and vegetable juices (-4.2%), yogurt and similar products (-1.8%), fresh stone fruits and pome fruits (-4.2%), products made from vegetables, tubers, and legumes (-2.9%), cereals (-3.6%), desserts and dairy-based drinks (-3.8%), ready meals (-0.6%), pasta (-3.6%), and dry breakfasts (-0.8%).
Conversely, prices for fresh and chilled vegetables and fruits increased (+13.6%), dried, salted, and smoked fish (+29.7%), coffee (+0.5%), fresh, chilled, and frozen chicken (+3.9%), bread (+1.8%), fresh citrus fruits (+8.9%), other flour confectionery products (+1.3%), eggs (+4.5%), fresh berries (+8.9%), fresh and frozen fish (+4.5%), fresh, chilled, and frozen beef (+8.6%), and spices, culinary herbs, and seeds (+6.4%).
The average price level for housing, water supply, electricity, gas, and other fuels increased by 5.8% over the year. The most significant increase in prices over the year was for thermal energy (+5.4%). Electricity (+4.7%), natural gas (+16.6%), water supply (+8.7%), sewage services (+12.1%), housing maintenance, repair, and security services (+7.9%), solid fuel (+5.2%), housing maintenance fees (+3%), garbage collection (+6.1%), as well as rent for housing (+3.4%) also increased. Materials for housing maintenance and repair decreased in price (-0.6%).
In the healthcare group, the average price level increased by 4.9% over the year. Over the year, outpatient treatment and rehabilitation services, dental services, medications, visual diagnostics, and medical laboratory services became more expensive.
In the transport group, prices increased on average by 11.1% over the year, mainly due to rising fuel prices (+28.2%). The price of diesel fuel increased by 33.3%, gasoline by 21.5%, and autogas by 14.4%. Prices for maintenance and repair of personal vehicles, passenger road transport, and passenger air transport also rose. Conversely, prices for spare parts and accessories for personal vehicles decreased.
In the group of information and telecommunications services and goods, the average price level increased by 2.1% over the year. Comprehensive telecommunications services, mobile communication services, mobile phone equipment, subscriptions to audiovisual streaming services, rental of audiovisual content, and internet services became more expensive. Equipment for receiving, recording, and reproducing sound and images, as well as computers, decreased in price.
The average price level in the leisure, sports, and culture sector increased by 3.2% over the year. Prices for comprehensive leisure services, sports services, pet supplies, newspapers, and periodicals rose. The average price level for garden goods, plants, and flowers decreased.
In the group of restaurant and hotel services, the average price level increased by 9.5% over the year. Hotel services became more expensive on average by 16.3%. Catering services also increased in price, including a 4.7% rise in restaurant and café services and a 3.9% rise in services of canteens, cafeterias, and school dining facilities.
Prices for personal care goods and services, social services, and various goods and services increased by 4.7% over the year. Various devices, items, and products for personal care, jewelry and wristwatches, hairdressing and beauty salon services, and fees for staying in nursing homes became more expensive. Childcare services decreased in price.
In other consumer groups, the most significant price increase over the year was observed for cigarettes, higher education, clothing, and household cleaning and washing products. Conversely, prices for strong alcoholic beverages and liqueurs, beer, wine, and footwear decreased.
