Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 0.6 %

The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in February 2026, compared to January 2026, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 0.6 %. Mainly due to the discounts, in February prices went down for preparations of meat (3.7 %), butter (9.4 %), skimmed milk (5.2 %), soft drinks (6.4 %), cheese (1.1 %).

Compared to January 2026, in February 2026 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.2 %

Compared to January 2026, in February 2026 rise in prices in transport group (0.2 percentage points), recreation, sport and culture (0.1 percentage point), alcoholic beverages, tobacco (0.1 percentage point), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.1 percentage point), as well as drop in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.1 percentage point) and personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services (0.1 percentage point) contributed the most to the price level changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 0.6 %. Mainly due to the promotions, price drop for preparations of meat (of 3.7 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. Due to the discounts, prices of butter (9.4 %), skimmed milk (5.2 %), soft drinks (6.4 %), cheese (1.1 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (1.6 %), other bakery products (1.2 %) and chocolate (1.3 %) also went down. Downturn was registered in prices of fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (1.4 %), olive oil (7.0 %), fruit and vegetable juices (3.1 %), potatoes (3.9 %). Prices of fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (10.7 %), fresh or chilled leafy or stem vegetables (10.1 %), dried, salted or smoked fish (8.7 %), spices, culinary herbs and seeds (6.9 %), other fresh fruits (5.7 %), fresh berries (4.9 %), as well as fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (3.4 %) went up.

The average level of alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices rose by 1.2 %. Prices of cigarettes went up by 6.1 %. In turn, prices of alcoholic beverages reduced by 1.6 %, which was affected by discounts on spirits and liquors (down by 2.5 %), as well as on wine (down by 1.6 %).

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 0.4 %. Price rise for solid fuels (of 5.9 %) had the strongest upward influence on the price level within the group. Materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling (1.6 %) became more expensive. Prices of electricity increased on average by 0.2 %. The average level of heat energy prices fell by 0.4 %.

The average level of prices in health group increased by 0.6 %. As the sales campaigns ended, price rise for medicines had the strongest upward influence on the price level within the group. Prices of dental services also increased. 

In transport group prices went up by 1.7 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (3.4 %), of which of diesel by 3.8 %, of petrol by 2.8 %, and of auto gas by 0.3 %. Over the month, prices of passenger transport by air, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment increased. In turn, prices of tyres reduced.

The average level of prices in recreation, sport and culture group went up by 1.2 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of package holidays and garden products, plants and flowers. As the sales campaigns ended, products for pets became more expensive. Over the month, the average price level of books fell.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services reduced by 1.3 %. Mainly due to the sales campaigns, prices of other appliances, articles and products for personal care had the strongest downward influence on the price level within the group. Prices of child care services also reduced. 

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of other household services. In turn, price drop was registered for childhood education, garments, as well as household furniture. 

Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 2.3 %

Compared to February 2025, in February 2026 the average level of consumer prices* increased by 2.3 %. The average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.9 percentage points), mainly of heat energy and electricity, food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.7 percentage points). Also, upturn in health group (0.3 percentage points), clothing and footwear (0.2 percentage points), as well as downturn in transport group (0.2 percentage points) contributed significantly to the price level changes.

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 2.4 %. Price rise for coffee (of 16.7 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (12.2 %), fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (15.6 %), eggs (18.2 %), chocolate (10.4 %), other bakery products (3.6 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Upturn was also registered in prices of dried, smoked or salted fish (29.9 %), fresh citrus fruits (19.0 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (5.3 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of bovine animals (23.1 %). In turn, prices went down for butter (19.9 %), olive oil (22.5 %), potatoes (17.2 %), fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (11.9 %), meat preparations (2.3 %), skimmed milk (5.1 %).

The average level of prices within clothing and footwear group rose by 2.9 %. Prices of garments increased by 2.3 %, of shoes and other footwear by 5.9 %.

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 5.3 %. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy (4.4 %). Upturn was registered in prices of electricity (5.1 %), water supply (9.7 %), solid fuels (7.3 %), sewage collection (13.0 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (3.9 %), rentals for housing (6.4 %), natural gas (5.8 %). Increase was recorded in prices of services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (6.5 %), refuse collection (5.0 %). In turn, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling (1.3 %) became cheaper.

The average level of prices in health group increased by 4.1 %. Over the year, prices of outpatient curative and rehabilitative services, dental services, medicines, diagnostic imaging services and medical laboratory services went up. 

In transport group prices on average went down by 1.7 %, which was mainly affected by the drop in prices of fuels for transport (of 6.2 %). Prices of diesel went down by 5.4 %, of petrol by 7.8 %, of auto gas by 3.5 %. Prices of spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment reduced. In turn, over the year, prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, other services in respect of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road, passenger transport by train increased. 

The average level of prices in information and communication group increased by 2.5 %. Subscriptions to audiovisual streaming services and rental of audiovisual content, bundled telecommunication services, mobile communication services became more expensive. Prices of computers fell.

Within the restaurants and accommodation services group, the average level of prices went up by 4.4 %. Upturn was observed in prices of food and beverage serving services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 5.2 %, of canteens, cafeterias and refectories services by 5.6 %.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 3.2 %. Jewellery and watches, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services, retirement home fee for elderly persons were more expensive. 

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of cigarettes, tertiary education and sporting services. In turn, spirits and liquors, wine, beer were cheaper.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2025, in February 2026 consumer prices were 0.8 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 0.5 % and prices of services by 1.8 %.

In February 2026 average consumer price changes in last 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months (annual average inflation) was 3.6 %.

Information on consumer price changes in March 2026 will be published on 10 April.

* The annual inflation reflects consumer price changes, comparing the average price level in the comparison month with the average price level in the corresponding month of the previous year.

 

Methodological information:

The consumer price survey is a sample survey with targeted sample at all levels. It is conducted each month from 4th to 20th date, distributing the price collection evenly over the survey period. In 2026, the CPI sample includes 558 goods and services, the prices of which are recorded regularly. Approximately 2 000 trade and services outlets are surveyed. In total, about 23.7 thousand prices are observed each month.

More information on consumer price changes is available in the official statistics portal section Consumer prices.

Media requests:
Public Relations Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666

More information on the data: 
Nataļja Dubkova
Consumer Price Indices Section
E-mail: Natalja.Dubkova@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366644