In May, monthly inflation was 0.5 %

The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in May 2026, compared to April 2026, the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.5 %. The rise in prices of restaurants and accommodation services, mainly of hotel services, as well as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels contributed the most to the price change.

Compared to April 2026, in May 2026 rise in prices of restaurant and accommodation services (0.2 percentage points), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.2 percentage points), recreation, sport and culture (0.1 percentage point), personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services (0.1 percentage point), as well as drop in prices in transport group (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 %. Price drop for fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (of 23.6 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. Mainly, due to the discounts, prices of ready-made food fell by 2.4 %, of yoghurt and similar products by 2.4 %, of ice cream by 4.4 %, of coffee by 1.5 %, of chocolate by 2.2 %, of cheese by 1.0 %, of preparations of meat by 0.7 %. In its turn, the average level of fresh stone fruits and pome fruits increased by 13.5 %, mainly of nectarines, apples, pears, as well as other fresh or chilled vegetables by 8.9 %. Mainly due to the end of promotions, prices of bread and bakery products went up by 1.5 %, of fresh, chilled or frozen meat by 1.8 %, of potatoes by 10.9 %, of butter by 5.3 %, of flour of cereals by 8.3 %, of dried, salted or smoked meat by 2.1 %, of eggs by 4.0 % and of soft drinks by 5.4 %. Prices of other fresh fruits went up by 6.7 %.

Prices within clothing and footwear group fell by 0.8 %. Prices of shoes and other footwear reduced on average by 2.3 %, but of garments by 0.4 %.

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 1.2 %. Price rise for natural gas (of 12.7 %) had the strongest upward influence on the price level within the group. Upturn was registered in prices of electricity (1.6 %), heat energy (0.2 %), refuse collection (1.1 %), services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (0.9 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (0.2 %). 

In transport group prices went down by 0.7 %, which was mainly affected by the drop in prices of fuels for transport (4.7 %), of which of diesel by 6.8 %, of auto gas by 2.8 %, while prices of petrol went up by 1.2 %. Over the month, prices of parts for personal transport equipment reduced, while passenger transport by air became more expensive.

The average level of prices in recreation, sport and culture group went up by 0.8 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of products for pets, package holidays. In turn, prices of services provided by cinemas, theatres and concert venues went down.

As prices of hotel services went up by 25.4 % and of restaurant and café services by 0.5 %, an upturn of 5.9 % was observed in prices of restaurants and accommodation services.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 1.2 %. 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. Prices of notarial services also increased.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of medicines, cigarettes, beer, household cleaning and maintenance products, wine, while prices of spirits and liquors reduced.

Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 3.5 %

Compared to May 2025, in May 2026 the average level of consumer prices* increased by 3.5 %. The average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices in transport group (1.4 percentage points), mainly of fuels for transport, as well as of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (1.0 percentage point), mainly of heat energy, electricity and natural gas. Also, rise in prices of restaurants and accommodation services (0.4 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 decreased by 0.8 %. Price drop for butter (of 17.6 %), fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (22.7 %), cheese (4.8 %), potatoes (20.4 %), fresh or chilled leafy or stem vegetables (24.1 %), vegetable oils (11.7 %), skimmed milk (8.0 %), preparations of meat (2.7 %), other fresh fruits (11.5 %), chocolate (3.5 %), ice cream (3.6 %), fruit and vegetable juices (4.2 %), yoghurt and similar products (1.8 %), fresh stone fruits and pome fruits (4.2 %), preparations of vegetables, tubers, plantains and pulses (2.9 %), cereals (3.6 %), milk-based dessert and beverages (3.8 %), ready-made food (0.6 %), macaroni (3.6 %), breakfast cereals (0.8 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. In turn, rise was registered in prices of fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (13.6 %), dried, salted or smoked fish (29.7 %), coffee (0.5 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (3.9 %), bread (1.8 %), fresh citrus fruits (8.9 %), other bakery products (1.3 %), eggs (4.5 %), fresh berries (8.9 %), fresh or frozen fish (4.5 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of bovine animals (8.6 %), spices, culinary herbs and seeds (6.4 %).

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 5.8 %. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy (5.4 %). Upturn was registered in prices of electricity (4.7 %), natural gas (16.6 %), water supply (8.7 %), sewage collection (12.1 %), services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (7.9 %), solid fuels (5.2 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (3.0 %), refuse collection (6.1 %), actual rentals for housing (3.4 %). Materials for the maintenance and repair of the dwelling (0.6 %) became cheaper.

The average level of prices in health group increased by 4.9 %. 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 11.1 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (of 28.2 %). Prices of diesel went up by 33.3 %, of petrol by 21.5 % and of auto gas by 14.4 %. Increase was observed in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road and passenger transport by air. In turn, prices of spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment reduced. 

The average level of prices in information and communication group increased by 2.1 %. Bundled telecommunication services, mobile communication services, mobile telephone equipment, subscriptions to audiovisual streaming services and rental of audiovisual content and internet services became more expensive. Equipment for the reception, recording and reproduction of sound and vision, as well as computers were cheaper.

The average level of prices of recreation, sport and culture went up by 3.2 %. Increase was observed in prices of package holidays, sporting services, products for pets, 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 9.5 %. Prices of hotel services increased on average by 16.3 %. 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 3.9 %. 

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 4.7 %. Increase was observed in prices of other appliances, articles and products for personal care, jewellery and watches, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments services, retirement home fee for elderly persons. Child care services became cheaper.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of cigarettes, tertiary education, garments, household cleaning and maintenance products. In turn, spirits and liquors, beer, wine, as well as shoes and other footwear were cheaper.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to 2025, in May 2026 consumer prices were 3.8 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 3.4 % and prices of services by 4.9 %.

In May 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 June 2026 will be published on 8 July.

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