Inflation at 5.2% in May – Soaring Prices for Meat, Fuel, Rent, and Energy

Inflation Reaches 5.2% in May 2026 – Sharp Price Increases in Essential Goods and Services

According to data released by ELSTAT, inflation in May 2026 reached 5.2%, confirming strong inflationary pressures on key goods and services.

At the same time, the average Consumer Price Index for the twelve-month period from June 2025 to May 2026 increased by 3.1% compared to the corresponding twelve months from June 2024 to May 2025.

The largest price increases were recorded in food, energy, and transportation.

For example, the price of beef rose by 17.6%, lamb by 16.2%, and fish by 12.6%, while margarine became 10.6% more expensive. In the energy sector, natural gas increased by 21% and heating oil by 53.2%, resulting in gasoline being sold 21% more expensive and diesel fuel by 24.4%.

Households also face significant pressures from housing costs, as rents rose by 7.7%, while health insurance premiums increased by 7%.

According to ELSTAT, the increase in the general price index was mainly due to a 3.5% rise in the “Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages” category, which saw increases in bakery products, meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and coffee. The “Housing” category rose by 11.6% due to higher rents, home maintenance expenses, and energy costs, while “Transport” increased by 11.5%, mainly due to fuels, new cars, and airline tickets.

Price increases were also recorded in Health (+1.2%), Education (+2.8%), Recreation and Culture (+1.4%), Hotels – Cafés – Restaurants (+8.5%), and Insurance and Financial Services (+3.4%).

Decreases

Conversely, price decreases were recorded in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (-0.1%), clothing and footwear (-0.9%), durable goods and household items (-0.1%), as well as in Information and Communication (-2.7%), mainly due to cheaper telecommunications services and technology equipment.