In March, monthly inflation was 1.9 %

The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in March 2026, compared to February 2026, the average level of consumer prices increased by 1.9 %. The rise in prices in transport group, mainly fuels for transport, as well as clothing and footwear, contributed the most to the price change. 

Compared to February 2026, in March 2026 rise in prices in transport group (1.1 percentage points), clothing and footwear (0.3 percentage points), recreation, sport and culture (0.3 percentage points), alcoholic beverages, tobacco (0.2 percentage points), as well as drop in prices of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.2 percentage points) contributed the most to the price level changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages grew by 0.1 %. Mainly due to the end of promotions, price rise for preparations of meat (of 3.0 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. Upturn was also recorded in prices of fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (3.4 %). Due to the end of special offers, prices of butter (6.4 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (1.7 %) went up. Also prices of fresh berries (10.6 %), fresh or chilled fish (4.1 %), eggs (2.4 %), other fresh or chilled vegetables (3.6 %) went up. In turn, due to the discounts, prices of cheese (3.1 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (3.3 %), coffee (2.1 %), bread (1.1 %), fresh citrus fruits (6.5 %) fell.

The average level of alcoholic beverage and tobacco prices went up by 3.4 %, which was mainly influenced by the increase of excise duty on alcoholic beverages as of March 1. Prices of alcoholic beverages went up by 3.5 %, which was affected mainly by the rise of prices on spirits and liquors, wine. The average level of prices of cigarettes increased by 3.2 %.

The level of prices within clothing and footwear group rose by 5.7 %. Prices of garments on average increased by 4.7 %, but of shoes and other footwear by 9.4 %.

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went down by 1.1 %. Price drop for electricity (of 5.4 %) had the strongest downward influence on the price level within the group. Solid fuels (0.6 %) also became cheaper. In turn, services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (1.9 %), heat energy (0.2 %) became more expensive.

Prices of furnishings, routine household maintenance and equipment rose by 1.3 %. Mainly due to the end of sales campaigns, household furniture, as well as household cleaning and maintenance products became more expensive.

The average level of prices in health group increased by 0.9 %. Price rise for medicines had the strongest upward influence on the price level within the group. Growth was registered in prices of outpatient curative and rehabilitative services, dental services.

In transport group prices went up by 8.4 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (21.0 %), of which of diesel by 25.4 %, of petrol by 11.3 %, and of auto gas by 7.5 %. Over the month, prices of passenger transport by air, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment increased.

The average level of prices in recreation, sport and culture group went up by 2.7 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of package holidays. Over the month, the average price level of admission to theatre performances fell.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 1.7 %. Mainly due to the end of sales campaigns, prices of other appliances, articles and products for personal care had the strongest upward influence on the price level within the group. Growth was registered in prices of jewellery and watches. 

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of hotel services, mobile communication services.

Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 3.4 %

Compared to March 2025, in March 2026 the average level of consumer prices* increased by 3.4 %. The average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices in transport group (1.0 percentage point), mainly of fuels for transport, as well as of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.8 percentage points), mainly of electricity and heat energy. Also, rise in prices of recreation, sport and culture (0.3 percentage points), food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.3 percentage points) and health (0.3 percentage points) contributed significantly to the price level changes.

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 1.1 %. Price rise for coffee (of 15.5 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (8.9 %), eggs (16.2 %), dried, salted or smoked fish (35.3 %), other bakery products (2.8 %), fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (8.7 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of bovine animals (15.3 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (3.3 %), fresh citrus fruits (5.8 %), fresh or frozen fish (3.7 %) had the strongest upward influence on the average price level within the group. In turn, prices went down for cheese (6.5 %), butter (14.6 %), fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (15.5 %), olive oil (22.5 %), potatoes (14.2 %), skimmed milk (4.9 %), other fresh fruits (8.3 %), fresh or chilled leafy or stem vegetables (11.0 %), other fresh or chilled vegetables (5.4 %), macaroni (5.4 %), chocolate (2.5 %), yoghurt and similar products (1.2 %), flour of cereals (4.8 %), breakfast cereals (0.4 %), bread (0.6 %).

The average level of prices within clothing and footwear group rose by 2.1 %. Prices of garments increased by 1.8 %, of shoes and other footwear by 4.3 %.

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 4.8 %. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy (4.0 %). Upturn was registered in prices of electricity (3.4 %), water supply (9.7 %), sewage collection (13.0 %), solid fuels (6.9 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (3.9 %), services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (8.3 %), actual rentals for housing (5.6 %), natural gas (5.8 %), refuse collection (5.0 %). In turn, materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling (1.8 %) 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 up by 7.3 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (of 18.5 %). Prices of diesel went up by 24.1 %, of petrol by 7.5 %, of auto gas by 4.3 %. Increase was observed in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road, passenger transport by air, passenger transport by train. Prices of spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment reduced.

The average level of prices of recreation, sport and culture went up by 3.4 %. Increase was observed in prices of package holidays, sporting services, newspapers and periodicals. The average price level for garden products, plants and flowers decreased.

Within the restaurants and accommodation services group, the average level of prices went up by 4.2 %. Upturn was observed in prices of food and beverage serving services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 4.8 %, of canteens, cafeterias and refectories services by 4.8 %.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 6.0 %. Prices increased for other appliances, articles and products for personal care, jewellery and watches, retirement home fee for elderly persons, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments. 

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of cigarettes, tertiary education, mobile communication services, bundled telecommunication services, household furniture, household cleaning and maintenance products. In turn, spirits and liquors, beer, wine and information processing equipment were cheaper.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2025, in March 2026 consumer prices were 2.7 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 2.5 % and prices of services by 3.6 %.

In March 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 April 2026 will be published on 12 May.

* 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: 
Ralfs Melbergs
Consumer Price Indices Section
E-mail: Ralfs.Melbergs@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366616