Romania, the highest inflation in the EU

Romania recorded the highest annual inflation rate in the European Union in January, 8.5%

Mihai Pelin, 26.02.2026, 14:00

Romania continues to record the highest inflation rate in the EU, with an annual price increase of 8.5% in January 2026, while inflation at EU level fell to 2%, according to Eurostat. Last month, the EU member states with the lowest annual inflation rates were France (0.4%), Denmark (0.6%), Finland, and Italy (both 1%). At the opposite end of the spectrum were Romania (8.5%), Slovakia (4.3%), and Estonia (3.8%). Compared to December 2025, annual inflation fell in 23 member states. According to the data, although inflation continues to fall in Europe, the rate of price increases in Romania remains more than four times higher than the EU average.

Romania remains in first place in the EU in terms of price increases. Compared to December 2025, the annual inflation rate fell in 23 member states, remained stable in one, and rose in three. In Romania, the most notable increases were in the electricity sector, which rose by 59.33% after the elimination of the electricity price cap support scheme. However, data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) show a higher annual inflation rate in Romania, of approximately 9.6% in January 2026, compared to 9.69% in December 2025.

The difference between the figure published by Eurostat and that announced by the NIS arises because the two institutions use different calculation methods. The rate published by Eurostat is based on the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP), a statistical indicator used in the EU to measure inflation in a comparable way between Member States, calculated according to a uniform methodology. It reflects the evolution of prices of final consumption goods and services and is used by the European Central Bank to assess price stability.

In contrast, Romania’s National Institute of Statistics (INS) calculates inflation based on the consumer price index (CPI), which measures the overall evolution of prices of goods purchased and services used and is used for domestic policies, such as increasing pensions or salaries. The CPI is essential for governments and the Central Bank. The differences between the two methods mainly relate to the different weighting given to products and services in the consumer basket. In Romania, these have a greater weight in the calculation of inflation and have recently seen significant price increases. In conclusion, both figures are correct in the context of their own methodology, with Eurostat focusing on European comparability, while the NIS focuses on the specific national reality.

On the other hand, the National Bank of Romania (BNR) has revised its inflation forecast for the end of 2026 upwards to 3.9%, from 3.7% previously. According to data presented in February by NBR Governor Mugur Isărescu, the central bank estimates that the annual inflation rate will fall to 2.7% by the end of 2027. (MI)