The annual inflation rate dropped in February to 9.31%, from 9.62% in January 2026, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). However, it’s the seventh consecutive month exceeding the 9% threshold.
INS data, calculated compared to the same month of the previous year, February 2026 versus February 2025, shows that the largest price increases were recorded in services, where prices rose on average by 11.37% compared to February 2025.
In the same period, non-food goods increased by 9.41%, and food by 7.89%, writes Economedia.
### Coffee, fruits, and eggs among the most expensive foods
In the food category, the largest price increases in the last year were recorded in coffee, which increased by 25.82%.
Significant price increases were also noted in fresh fruits (+16.12%), eggs (+14.33%), fruits and fruit preserves (+13%), or sugar and honey products (+13.55%).
Other significant price increases were recorded in beef (+11.79%), bread (+10.12%), cow’s milk (+9.81%), poultry (+8.5%), oil (+8.78%), fresh fish (+8.04%), and citrus fruits (+9.94%).
However, there are products that have become cheaper compared to last year. Potatoes decreased by 11.82%, beans and other legumes by 4.54%, flour by 2.29%, and cornmeal by 1.27%. The price of sugar decreased slightly by 0.36%.
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### Train tickets and utilities, the biggest price increases in services
In the services sector, CFR train tickets recorded the highest increase, by 24.40% in the last year.
This was followed by price increases in water, sewage, and sanitation (+17.21%), hygiene and cosmetic services (+15.94%), as well as other industrial services (+15.96%).
Prices also rose for auto repairs (+14.90%), shoe and clothing manufacturing and repair services (+14.86%), while medical assistance increased by 12.59%.
At the same time, rents increased by 8.52%, urban transport by 10.02%, and intercity road transport by 7.99%. The only price decrease in this category was recorded in air transport, where fares are 2.2% lower than a year ago.
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### Electricity remains the main driver of price increases
In the non-food goods category, electricity continues to be the main driver of price increases. Prices rose by 56.92% in the last year, after the elimination of the price cap support scheme.
Other significant increases were recorded in thermal energy (+13.41%), books, newspapers, and magazines (+10.15%), detergents (+9.01%), tobacco and cigarettes (+7.47%).
Medicines also increased by 4.18%, and fuels by 4.19%.
On the other hand, natural gas decreased by 4.57% compared to February 2025.
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### Gambling included in inflation calculation
INS specifies that starting from 2026, gambling has been included in the calculation of the consumer price index (CPI). In February, prices in this sector increased by 1.54% compared to January and by 4.21% compared to December 2025.
Statisticians emphasize that the inflation rate is also influenced by the elimination of the electricity price cap scheme, which has been taken into account in official statistics since August 2025.
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### Monthly price increases continued, especially in food
INS data shows that compared to January, prices continued to rise in February. Food prices increased on average by 0.7%, non-food goods by 0.5%, and services by 0.4%.
Overall, the average monthly inflation was 0.6%, according to Biziday.
The increase in fuel prices was felt even before the outbreak of the Middle East conflict on February 28, amid tensions in international oil markets.
According to statistical data, fuels increased by 1.5% in February alone, and the increase since the beginning of the year is 3.3%.
Compared to January, some of the largest price increases were recorded in vegetables, which increased by 5.3%, mainly due to seasonal factors.
In February, prices also rose for bread (+0.6%), eggs (+0.9%), coffee (+2%), cigarettes (+1.5%), and restaurant services (+0.6%).
On the other hand, airline tickets decreased significantly by 28% compared to the previous month, and pork prices decreased by 0.6%. Additionally, flour decreased by 0.5%.
– [Link to full article](https://www.biziday.ro/351252-2/)