Inflation increases to 3.3 percent in August

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that consumer goods and services in the Netherlands were 3.3 percent more expensive in August 2026 than they were in August 2025. Year-on-year inflation in July was 3.2 percent. The inflation rate for August was the same as the flash estimate published on 1 September.

Inflation is measured each month as the increase in the consumer price index (CPI) relative to one year previously. The CPI not only provides an insight into year-on-year price changes (inflation), but also month-on-month changes. Prices for consumers were 0.3 percent higher in August than they were in July.

Higher prices abroad

Inflation rose in August, primarily due to price changes for goods and services purchased by Dutch consumers abroad. This includes holiday-related expenses (such as accommodation and dining out) and cross-border purchases (such as groceries and petrol). The prices of these goods and services were, on average, 7.4 percent higher in August, year on year; in July, the figure was 4.8 percent. In addition to prices abroad, price changes for gas also had an upward effect on inflation.

Price changes in the short term

Compared to July, consumer prices were 0.3 percent higher in August. The average monthly change in inflation in August over the past ten years was 0.4 percent. It is worth noting that when making comparisons with the previous month, seasonal factors must be taken into account. For example, clothing is less expensive during sales than in other periods. Prices are temporarily lower then, but this is not a structural price decrease.

Inflation in the eurozone is rising

CBS publishes two different inflation rates: one is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the other is based on the European Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). According to the HICP, consumer goods and services in the Netherlands were 2.8 percent more expensive in August, year on year, down from 3.0 percent in July.. Inflation in the euro area as a whole rose from 2.9 percent in July to 3.3 percent in August.

Inflation in the euro area as a whole was higher than in the Netherlands in August 2026. In August 2026, prices for food, beverages, and tobacco in the Netherlands were lower than in August 2025, whereas they were higher in the eurozone. In addition, the rise in energy prices (including motor fuels) in August was more pronounced in the eurozone than it was in the Netherlands.

New base year for CPI figures with effect from 2026

With effect from 2026, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the European Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) have switched to a new base year, from 2015=100 to 2025=100. The inflation figures for January 2026 are the first in which this new base year has been applied.

More information

The dashboard on consumer prices shows inflation according to the CPI and the HICP. In addition, the dashboard provides more detailed information on price changes for a number of consumer goods and services. The personal inflation calculator  allows people to get a better understanding of how price changes affect them.