In April, monthly inflation was 0.6 %

The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in April 2026, compared to March 2026, the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.6 %. The rise in prices of clothing and footwear, as well as in transport group, mainly of fuels for transport, contributed the most to the price change.

Compared to March 2026, in April 2026 rise in prices of clothing and footwear (0.4 percentage points), transport group (0.4 percentage points), restaurants and accommodation services (0.1 percentage point), as well as drop in prices of recreation, sport and culture (0.2 percentage points) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.1 percentage point) contributed the most to the price level changes.

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 0.2 %. Mainly due to the discounts, price drop for butter (9.0 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (3.8 %), fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (5.6 %), fresh stone fruits and pome fruits (5.8 %), eggs (4.1 %), soft drinks (5.2 %) and vegetable oils (3.8 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices of preparations of vegetables, tubers and pulses (3.6 %) and potatoes (5.3 %) also went down. In turn, upturns were recorded in prices of fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (4.3 %), cheese (2.4 %), fresh or chilled leafy or stem vegetables (8.5 %). Mainly affected by the end of sales campaigns, prices of fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (2.8 %), as well as chocolate (2.4 %) and coffee (1.1 %) went up.

The level of prices within clothing and footwear group rose by 7.5 %. Prices of garments on average increased by 5.6 %, but of shoes and other footwear by 17.2 %.

In transport group prices went up by 2.8 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (8.7 %), of which of diesel by 8.7 %, of petrol by 8.2 %, and of auto gas by 11.6 %. During the month, prices of passenger transport by road went up, but passenger transport by air became cheaper.

The average level of prices in recreation, sport and culture group reduced by 2.2 %, which was mainly affected by the drop in prices of package holidays, products for pets, as well as plants, seeds and flowers.

As prices of hotel services went up by 10.4 % and of restaurant and café services by 0.5 %, an upturn of 2.4 % was observed in prices of restaurants and accommodation services.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of cigarettes and heat energy, while price drop was registered for other appliances, articles and products for personal care, as well as for electricity, wine, solid fuels and household furniture.

Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 2.9 %

Compared to April 2025, in April 2026 the average level of consumer prices increased by 2.9 %. The average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices in transport group (1.1 percentage point), mainly of fuels for transport, as well as of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.8 percentage points), mainly of heat energy and electricity. Also, upturn in health group (0.3 percentage points) and restaurants and accommodation services (0.2 percentage points) contributed significantly to the price level changes.

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 0.3 %. Price drop for butter (of 22.4 %), fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (25.0 %), cheese (5.1 %), potatoes (23.4 %), skimmed milk (9.7 %), vegetable oils (13.0 %), olive oil (19.4 %), fresh or chilled leafy or stem vegetables (16.7 %), preparations of meat (1.2 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. In turn, price rise was registered for coffee (9.9 %), fresh of chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (19.8 %), dried, salted or smoked fish (34.8 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (2.5 %), other bakery products (1.2 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of bovine animals (15.0 %), fresh or frozen fish (5.8 %), eggs (1.7 %). 

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 5.1 %. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy (5.5 %). Upturn was registered in prices of electricity (3.2 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (4.4 %), water supply (8.6 %), sewage collection (11.9 %), services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (8.5 %), actual rentals for housing (5.3 %), natural gas (5.8 %), solid fuels (4.0 %), refuse collection (5.0 %).

The average level of prices in health group increased by 4.6 %. 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 8.5 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (of 28.1 %). Prices of diesel went up by 34.9 %, of petrol by 14.8 % and of auto gas by 16.2 %. Increase was observed in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road. Prices of passenger transport by air reduced.

The average level of prices of recreation, sport and culture went up by 1.8 %. Prices of sporting services, newspapers and periodicals, package holidays went up. The average level of products for pets prices reduced.

Within the restaurants and accommodation services group, the average level of prices went up by 5.6 %. Upturn was observed in prices of food and beverage serving services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 4.7 %, of canteens, cafeterias and refectories services by 3.6 %. Prices of hotel services increased on average by 8.1 %.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 2.9 %. Jewellery and watches, retirement home fee for elderly persons, as well as hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment services were more expensive.

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

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2025, in April 2026 consumer prices were 3.3 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 3.5 % and prices of services by 3.3 %.

In April 2026 average consumer price changes in last 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months (annual average inflation) was 3.5 %.

Information on consumer price changes in May 2026 will be published on 9 June.

* 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