Inflation rises to 3.7 percent in October

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that consumer goods and services in the Netherlands were 3.7 percent more expensive in October 2026, year on year. This compares to year-on-year inflation in September of 3.4 percent. The inflation rate for October was the same as the flash estimate published on 4 November.

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 0.7 percent higher in October than they were in September.

Prices of natural gas is pushing inflation higher

Inflation rose in October primarily due to higher energy prices. Natural gas was 11.7 percent more expensive in October year on year; that compares to a year-on-year increase of 7.4 percent in September. Food prices also contributed to the rise in inflation in October. In October, food prices fell by 1.1 percent, year on year, while in September they fell by more, at 1.7 percent.

Fuel prices now pulling inflation lower

Fuel prices had a downward effect on inflation in October. In September, the average price of petrol was up by 27.3 percent, year on year, but in October this was down to 22.6 percent. Meanwhile, diesel was up by 44.4 percent in October, year on year, compared to 45.8 percent in September.

Price changes in the short term

Compared to September, consumer prices were 0.7 percent higher in October. Over the past ten years, prices in October were, on average, 0.5 percent higher than prices in September. Only October 2021 and October 2022 saw a larger increase in inflation than October of this year.

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 also higher

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 3.3 percent more expensive in October, year on year, up from 3.0 percent in September. Inflation in the euro area as a whole rose from 3.8 percent in September to 4.0 percent in October.

Inflation in the euro area as a whole was higher than in the Netherlands in October 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 October 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.