The annual inflation rate rose to 10.85% in May, from 10.71% in April, as services increased by 13.53%, non-food goods by 12.54% and food items by 6.78%, according to data published on Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

“The consumer price index in May 2026 compared with April 2026 was 100.58%. The inflation rate since the start of the year (May 2026 compared with December 2025) was 3.7%. The annual inflation rate in May 2026 compared with May 2025 was 10.9%. The average change in consumer prices over the past 12 months (June 2025 – May 2026) compared with the previous 12 months (June 2024 – May 2025) was 9.4%,” the INS said in a statement.

According to the source cited, the harmonised index of consumer prices in May 2026 compared with April 2026 was 100.69%. The annual inflation rate in May 2026, compared with May 2025, calculated on the basis of the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), was 9.7%. The average change in consumer prices over the past 12 months (June 2025 – May 2026) compared with the previous 12 months (June 2024 – May 2025), as measured by the HICP, was 8.4%.

The National Bank of Romania (BNR) revised upwards its inflation forecast for the end of 2026 to 5.5%, from 3.9% previously, and expects it to reach 2.9% at the end of 2027, according to data presented in May by BNR Governor Mugur Isărescu.

SOURCE: AGERPRES