The year 2025 ended with a strong acceleration of inflation. The annual rate reached 9.7% in December, double compared to the previous year, while the average annual inflation rose to 7.3%, up from 5.6% in 2024.
According to data published on Wednesday by the National Institute of Statistics, the largest price increases were recorded in services and non-food goods, due to the liberalization of energy tariffs and the increase in VAT.
Electricity had by far the highest price increase, almost 61%, after the removal of price caps.
Annual inflation remains close to 10% at the end of the year
The annual inflation rate in December 2025 compared to December 2024 was 9.7%, a level similar to the previous month (9.76%).
INS data shows that services increased the most, by approximately 11%, followed by non-food goods, which saw a growth of around 10.5%.
Food prices increased by an average of 7.7%, tempered by the decrease in the prices of some vegetables towards the end of the year.
Average annual inflation rises to 7.3%, above the level of 2024
Overall, the average inflation in 2025 reached 7.3%, up from 5.6% in 2024. Statisticians emphasize that starting in August 2025, the calculation of inflation included the end of the price capping scheme for electricity, instituted by Emergency Ordinance no. 6/2025, which amplified price increases in the second half of the year.
Coffee, fruits, and basic products among the top price increases in food
Regarding food, the highest price increase was recorded in coffee, which rose by 23.9% compared to December 2024. Fresh fruits saw an increase of 15.2%, while sugar, sweet products, and honey became 14.1% more expensive.
Significant increases were also reported in milk (+11%), bread (+10%), beef (+11.8%), and eggs (+10.7%).
At the same time, INS also notes occasional decreases, such as potatoes (-11%), vegetables and canned vegetables (-1.4%), beans and legumes (-4.1%), as well as slight decreases in flour, cornmeal, and sugar.
Services, the main driver of inflation
In the services sector, the largest price increases were recorded in railway transport, where CFR tickets increased by 24.4%, followed by air transport (+18.4%) and hygiene and cosmetic services (+17.7%).
Additionally, auto repairs increased by 14.7%, clothing and footwear tailoring and repair services by 15.1%, and rents by 8.6%. Medical assistance became 13.6% more expensive, while urban transport rose by 13.8%.
Electricity, the decisive factor in price increases
Among non-food goods, electricity had by far the highest price increase, almost 61%, after the removal of price caps.
Heating energy increased by 18.8%, and significant increases were also seen in books, newspapers, and magazines (+10.2%), detergents (+9.4%), tobacco and cigarettes (+6.7%).
Medicines saw an increase of 5.5%, and fuels ended the year with a growth of under 4%, as their prices slightly decreased in December compared to November.