Inflation increases to 3.4 percent in September

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that consumer goods and services in the Netherlands were 3.4 percent more expensive in September 2026 than they were in September 2025. Year-on-year inflation in August was 3.3 percent. The inflation rate for September was the same as the flash estimate published on 2 October.

Inflation is measured each month as the change in the consumer price index (CPI) relative to the same month of the previous year. The CPI not only provides an insight into year-on-year price changes (inflation), but also month-on-month changes. Prices for consumers were 0.1 percent higher in September than they were in August.

Motor fuel prices rising more sharply

Inflation rose in September primarily due to higher motor fuel prices. Motor fuels were 27.2 percent more expensive in September year on year; that compares to a year-on-year increase of 23.4 percent in August. Diesel prices saw the sharpest increase.

In September, the average price of a litre of diesel was 2.499 euros, compared to 2.369 euros in August. A litre of petrol cost 2.448 euros in September, up from 2.333 euros in August. Mobile charges also had an upward effect on inflation.

Downward effect of food prices

Food prices had a downward effect on inflation in September: they were 1.7 percent lower year on year. By comparison, in August they were 0.7 percent lower year on year.

Price changes in the short term

Compared to August, consumer prices were 0.1 percent higher in September. Over the past ten years, prices in September were, on average, the same as prices in August. 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 3.0 percent more expensive in September, year on year, up from 2.8 percent in August. Inflation in the euro area as a whole rose from 3.2 percent in August to 3.8 percent in September.

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