Euro area inflation confirmed at 3.8% in September, up from 3.2% in August
Eurostat's final September figure matches the flash estimate: the annual rate is 3.8%, up from 3.2% in August and 2.2% a year earlier. EU inflation was also 3.8%.
Eurostat's final figure for euro area inflation in September 2026, published on 16 October, confirms the flash estimate of 3.8%. The annual rate rose from 3.2% in August and was 2.2% a year earlier. EU inflation was also 3.8%, up from 3.2%, and 2.6% a year earlier.
Across countries
The lowest annual rates were in Sweden (1.0%), Hungary and Denmark (both 2.1%). The highest were in Romania (6.5%) and Lithuania (6.1%).
Reading it
Most of the move is energy, which the flash estimate showed up 18.8% on the year. Germany's final figure of 3.3% and France's final figure of 3.1% sit below the euro area total, which is a useful reminder that the aggregate is pulled up by the countries with the largest energy shocks.
For the ECB, which decides on 29 October, the confirmation removes any doubt about the September figure. The Governing Council's account of its September meeting, published on 8 October, described the energy shock as not yet fully felt (account report). Live prices: EUR/USD.
Sources
Common questions
What was euro area inflation in September 2026?
Eurostat confirmed the annual inflation rate at 3.8% in September, up from 3.2% in August and 2.2% a year earlier.
Which euro area countries had the highest inflation in September 2026?
Romania (6.5%) and Lithuania (6.1%) had the highest annual rates. Sweden (1.0%) had the lowest.
When does the ECB decide next?
The ECB's next monetary policy decision is on 29 October 2026, after its meeting on 28 and 29 October.
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