Romania’s annual inflation climbs to 10.9% in May, driven by energy, rents and fuel

Inflation reaches 10.9%, the highest in a year

Romania’s annual inflation rate rose to 10.9% in May 2026, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on 12 June. The figure marks the third consecutive month of acceleration and the highest reading in 12 months. It is nearly double the 5.5% recorded in May 2025. The EU-harmonised index (HICP) stood at 9.7% for the same period.

Month-on-month, consumer prices increased by 0.58% in May, bringing the cumulative increase since the start of the year to 3.7%. The average inflation rate over the last 12 months (June 2025–May 2026) compared with the previous 12 months was 9.4%.

“In May 2026, annual inflation reached the threshold of 10.9%. The highest price increases were recorded in services, at 13.53%, while non-food goods prices rose 12.54% and food prices rose 6.78%.”

Services lead with 13.53% annual increase

Services registered the steepest year-on-year rise among the main categories, surging 13.53% compared with May 2025, and climbing 1.06% in just one month. Rents were a standout component: the INS reported a 43.56% increase in rents over the past year.

Other services also recorded notable monthly jumps. Telephone tariffs rose by 3.2% in May, while air fares dropped by 7.1% compared with April.

Energy and fuel costs soar after price cap removal

The elimination of the electricity price support scheme in July 2025 continued to feed through into consumer bills. Electricity prices climbed 55.49% year-on-year. Thermal energy prices rose 10.70%, while gas prices edged up by 1.53% over the same period.

Fuel costs contributed heavily to overall inflation. Diesel was 36.85% more expensive than a year earlier, and gasoline prices increased by 30.55%. In the single month of May alone, gasoline rose by 6.2% and diesel by 1.6%.

Electricity55.49%

Rents43.56%

Diesel36.85%

Gasoline30.55%

Coffee21.12%

Eggs14.12%

Services (average)13.53%

Non-food goods (average)12.54%

Food (average)6.78%

Electricity

55.49 %

Rents

43.56 %

Diesel

36.85 %

Gasoline

30.55 %

Coffee

21.12 %

Eggs

14.12 %

Services (average)

13.53 %

Non-food goods (average)

12.54 %

Food (average)

6.78 %

Data from the article text

Food prices show mixed trends

Food prices as a whole rose 6.78% annually, the lowest rate among the three main categories. However, individual products diverged sharply. Coffee recorded a 21.12% price increase, eggs 14.12%, and beef 11.58%. Other staples also became more expensive: cow’s milk rose 11.98%, bread 8.18%, fresh fish 7.83%, beer 7.98%, fresh fruit 7.04%, poultry 6.88%, wine 6.57%, cooking oil 6.11%, and cottage cheese 5.61%.

Several food items became cheaper. Potatoes fell 11.32%, cornmeal 5.27%, flour 4.38%, dried beans and other legumes 3.08%, and sugar 1.32%. Butter prices declined by a marginal 0.11%.

Context and trajectory

The May reading extends a steady climb. In April 2026 inflation was 10.7%, and the year began with much lower levels. The data confirm persistent pressure on the cost of living, particularly from deregulated energy prices and rising rents. The monthly advance of 0.58% was driven mainly by fuels and communication services, while gas prices fell 2.3% following the implementation of Government Emergency Ordinance 12/2026, and electricity edged down 1.1% month-on-month.