Euro area annual inflation rises to 3.8 per cent in Eurostat's flash estimate, driven by energy
2 October 2026
Eurostat's flash estimate puts euro area annual inflation at 3.8 per cent in September 2026, up from 3.2 per cent in August.
Energy is expected to show the highest annual rate at 18.8 per cent, against 14.3 per cent in August.
Services are estimated at 3.2 per cent, food, alcohol and tobacco at 1.4 per cent and non-energy industrial goods at 1.1 per cent.
Inflation excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco is estimated at 2.5 per cent.
The monthly rate for September 2026 is estimated at 0.6 per cent.
The complete set of harmonised indices for September 2026 is scheduled for release on 16 October 2026.
The euro area has 21 members from 1 January 2026, when Bulgaria adopted the euro.
In plain words
HICP Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices — The price index built on common rules so inflation can be compared across EU countries.
Flash estimate Early estimate released before full data — Eurostat issues it at the end of the reference month and revises it in mid-month.
Eurostat Statistical office of the European Union — It compiles and publishes official statistics for the EU.