In July, the average level of consumer prices fell by 0.7 %

The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in July 2026, compared to June 2026, the average level of consumer prices decreased by 0.7 %. During the month the most significant price drop was registered in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, mainly, of bread, fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry, skimmed milk and eggs, as well as of clothing and footwear.

Compared to June 2026, in July 2026 drop in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.4 percentage points), clothing and footwear (0.2 percentage points), 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 2.0 %. Price drop for bread (of 5.8 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (8.0 %), skimmed milk (12.8 %) and eggs (7.6 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group, which was mainly affected by the application of the reduced 12 % VAT rate from July 1 to basic food products – bread, milk, poultry and eggs. Prices went down for fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (13.3 %), which was affected by price drop of tomatoes and cucumbers, for fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (4.2 %). Due to the special offers the average price level of preparations of meat dropped by 1.8 %, of chocolate by 3.0 %, of fresh citrus fruits by 7.0 %, of fresh stone fruits and pome fruits by 5.1 %, mainly of nectarines. In turn, prices of potatoes (of 19.1 %) and other bakery products (3.3 %) went up. Due to the end of special offers, increase was recorded in prices of soft drinks (5.4 %).

The average level of alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices rose by 0.4 %. As prices of wine and beer went up, prices of alcoholic beverages increased by 0.7 %. Due to the discounts, decrease was recorded in prices of spirits and liquors (0.2 %). The average level of prices of cigarettes decreased by 0.1 %.

Prices within clothing and footwear group fell by 3.7 %. Prices of garments on average reduced by 3.7 %, but of shoes and other footwear by 4.6 %.

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went down by 0.1 %. Price drop for electricity (of 1.0 %) had the strongest downward influence on the price level within the group. Downturn was also registered in prices of heat energy (0.4 %). In turn, prices went up for solid fuels (3.4 %), water supply (0.4 %), sewage collection (0.2 %). 

In transport group prices went down by 0.3 %, which was mainly affected by the drop in prices of fuels for transport (3.5 %), of which of diesel by 3.7 %, of petrol by 2.5 %, and of auto gas by 6.2 %. In turn, rise within the group was registered in prices of passenger transport by air and passenger transport by road.

The average level of prices in recreation, sport and culture group went up by 0.4 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of package holidays and books. In turn, fall was registered in prices of products for pets, plants, seeds and flowers.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services reduced by 1.4 %. Mainly, due to the discounts, prices of other appliances, articles and products for personal care had the strongest downward influence on the price level within the group.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable drop was registered in prices of hotel services, but rise – in prices of household furniture. 

Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 2.6 %

Compared to July 2025, in July 2026 the average level of consumer prices* increased by 2.6 %. The average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (1.1 percentage point), mainly of heat energy, electricity and natural gas. Also, rise in prices of transport group (0.6 percentage points), recreation, sport and culture (0.5 percentage points), restaurants and accommodation services (0.3 percentage points) contributed significantly to the price level changes. The rise in price level was mitigated by the decrease in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.7 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 3.1 %. Price drop for skimmed milk (16.8 %), as well as butter (18.8 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices of preparations of meat (4.5 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (6.4 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (6.2 %), bread (3.5 %), vegetable oils (14.8 %), fresh stone fruits and pome fruits (18.3 %), cheese (3.8 %), fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (16.5 %), potatoes (14.5 %), fruit and vegetable juices (7.5 %), chocolate (3.9 %), other fresh fruits (10.4 %), eggs (3.8 %) fell. In turn, prices of fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (1.2 %), dried, salted or smoked fish (36.1 %), other bakery products (4.1 %) went up.

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 6.8 %. Over the year, the most significant rise in the prices was for heat energy (6.9 %). Upturn was registered in prices of electricity (5.1 %), natural gas (16.6 %), solid fuels (11.1 %), water supply (9.2 %), sewage collection (12.3 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (3.6 %), rentals for housing (4.3 %), services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (5.4 %), refuse collection (5.0 %).

The average level of prices in health group increased by 3.8 %. 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 4.8 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (of 9.9 %). Prices of diesel went up by 10.0 %, of petrol – by 11.3 %, while of auto gas – went down by 0.7 %. Increase was observed in prices of maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by air, passenger transport by road, other services in respect of personal transport equipment. In turn, prices of spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment reduced.

The average level of prices of recreation, sport and culture went up by 4.8 %. Increase was observed in prices of package holidays, sporting services, newspapers and periodicals, veterinary and other services for pets. The average price level for plants, seeds and flowers decreased.

Within the restaurants and accommodation services group, the average level of prices went up by 6.9 %. Prices of hotel services increased on average by 4.7 %. Upturn was observed in prices of food and beverage serving services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 4.0 %, of canteens, cafeterias and refectories services by 3.6 %. 

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 5.6 %. Prices increased for other appliances, articles and products for personal care, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments, retirement home fee for elderly persons, jewellery and watches. Childcare services became cheaper.

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

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to the average price level of 2025, in July 2026 consumer prices were 3.1 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 1.4 % and prices of services by 7.1 %.

In July 2026 average consumer price changes in last 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months (annual average inflation) was 3.4 %.

Information on consumer price changes in August 2026 will be published on 8 September.

* 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. 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