Inflation in the Czech Republic Rises to 2.5 Percent in September

Inflation in the Czech Republic accelerated again in September 2026. While consumer prices remained unchanged overall compared with August, they rose by 2.5 percent year-on-year. Higher fuel prices were a particularly significant driver of inflation.

Consumer prices in the Czech Republic rose by 2.5 percent in September 2026 compared with the same month last year. This means inflation accelerated by 0.6 percentage points compared with August, when the inflation rate stood at 1.9 percent. The figures come from the latest data published by the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) on Tuesday. The overall price level remained unchanged compared with the previous month.

The annual rate of price increases has now accelerated for the third consecutive month. The main reason was once again the sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices. Fuel and lubricants became 37.5 percent more expensive year-on-year, following an increase of 26.2 percent in August.

According to the Czech National Bank (ČNB), this primarily reflects the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Both international crude oil prices and refining costs remain at high levels.

Rising Housing Costs Put Particular Pressure on Consumers

Alongside transport costs, which were 13.2 percent higher overall than a year earlier, rising housing costs placed a particular burden on consumers. Rents increased by 6.1 percent over the year, while prices for minor repairs and maintenance rose by 5.1 percent.

Water supplies also became more expensive: drinking water prices increased by 3.9 percent, while wastewater charges rose by 3.8 percent. Households had to pay an average of 1.6 percent more for heating and hot water. However, energy prices provided some relief. Electricity was 10.6 percent cheaper in September than a year earlier, while natural gas prices fell by 4.0 percent.

The Statistical Office also recorded further price increases for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Beer cost 2.0 percent more year-on-year, wine prices rose by 1.4 percent and tobacco products by 7.1 percent. Dining out and overnight stays also became more expensive: prices for catering services increased by 3.8 percent, while accommodation costs rose by 7.0 percent.

Some Food Products Significantly Cheaper

While fuel prices pushed inflation higher, falling food prices helped to moderate the overall rate of inflation. The decline was particularly pronounced for butter, which was 37.3 percent cheaper in September than a year earlier. Egg prices also fell by 12.6 percent, pork by 15.5 percent and long-life low-fat milk by 20.0 percent.

The situation was different for vegetables. Prices rose by 8.1 percent year-on-year, compared with an increase of 5.1 percent recorded in August.

The average inflation rate over the past twelve months remained unchanged at 2.0 percent in September.

The Czech National Bank expects inflation to remain between 2 and 3 percent until the end of the year. At the beginning of 2027, the inflation rate could temporarily rise above 3 percent again.

Inflation in the Czech Republic Below the Eurozone Level

In a European comparison, inflation in the Czech Republic remained relatively moderate. According to the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which allows direct comparisons within the European Union, prices rose by 2.2 percent in September compared with the same month last year.

For the eurozone, the estimated inflation rate stood at 3.8 percent, according to preliminary calculations by Eurostat. In Germany, it was 3.3 percent, while Slovakia recorded 3.1 percent. Inflation was particularly high in Lithuania, at 6.1 percent.