In August, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.3 %

The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in August 2026, compared to July 2026, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.3 %. During the month, the rise in prices in transport group, mainly fuels for transport, contributed the most to the price change. In turn, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, mainly of potatoes, cheese, bread and coffee, reduced.

Compared to July 2026, in August 2026 the rise in prices in transport group (0.3 percentage points), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.1 percentage point), personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services (0.1 percentage point), recreation, sport and culture (0.1 percentage point), as well as drop in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.3 percentage points), clothing and footwear (0.1 percentage point) contributed the most to the price level changes. 

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined by 1.2 %. Among the product groups for which VAT was reduced in July, the following became cheaper over the course of the month: bread (2.0 %), eggs (3.0 %), and fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (0.4 %), in turn, as the promotions ended, prices of skimmed milk (0.6 %) went up. Price drop for potatoes (of 12.8 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. Mainly, due to the discounts, prices of cheese fell by 3.1 %, of yoghurt and similar products by 1.3 %. Prices decreased for other fresh fruit (9.6 %), which was mainly affected by the drop in prices of grapes and melons. Prices of coffee (2.7 %), butter (4.2 %), vegetable oils (4.1 %), fresh or chilled leafy or stem vegetables (5.4 %) fell. In turn, as the promotions ended, prices of fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (3.5 %), ready-made food (1.9 %), fresh or frozen fish (4.1 %) went up.

Prices within clothing and footwear group fell by 1.1 %. Prices of garments on average reduced by 0.8 %, but of shoes and other footwear by 2.6 %.

The average level of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels prices went up by 0.7 %. Price rise for heat energy (of 1.2 %) had the strongest upward influence on the price level within the group. Prices of electricity (0.7 %), solid fuels (1.7 %), refuse collection (1.6 %) also went up. 

In transport group prices went up by 2.1 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (8.8 %), of which of diesel by 11.5 %, of petrol by 2.9 %, but auto gas became cheaper by 0.3 %. Over the month, prices of passenger transport by air decreased.

The average level of prices in recreation, sport and culture group went up by 0.9 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of package holidays, products for pets. In turn, prices of stationery and drawing materials reduced, which was mainly due to the discounts.

Within the restaurants and accommodation services group, the average level of prices went up by 2.0 %. During the month, hotel services became more expensive by 6.8 %. Upturn was also observed in prices of food and beverage serving services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 0.3 %, of canteens, cafeterias and refectories services by 0.7 %.

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 2.2 %. Mainly due to the end of promotions, 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 spirits and liquors, while prices of wine from grapes, medicines reduced.

Over the year, the average level of consumer prices rose by 3.2 %

Compared to August 2025, in August 2026 the average level of consumer prices* increased by 3.2 %. The average level of consumer prices was mainly influenced by the rise in prices in transport group, mainly of fuels for transport (1.1 percentage point), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (1.1 percentage point). Also, rise in prices of recreation, sport and culture (0.6 percentage points), restaurants and accommodation services (0.3 percentage points), health (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 (0.9 percentage points).

Over the year, prices within the group of food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased by 4.0 %. Price drop for bread (6.3 %), cheese (8.3 %), as well as butter (23.2 %) had the strongest downward influence on the average price level within the group. Prices of fresh, chilled or frozen poultry (7.1 %), skimmed milk (14.4 %), preparations of meat (4.5 %), vegetable oils (17.4 %), fresh stone fruits and pome fruits (21.6 %), chocolate (7.6 %), potatoes (16.4 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (3.2 %), other fresh fruits (16.3 %), yoghurt and similar products (3.7 %), fruit and vegetable juices (8.3 %), fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (10.5 %), eggs (7.0 %) fell. In turn, prices of fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (7.8 %), dried, salted or smoked fish (30.8 %), other bakery products (2.4 %), fresh or frozen fish (8.4 %) 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 (8.8 %). Upturn was registered in prices of natural gas (16.6 %), solid fuels (13.3 %), electricity (3.2 %), water supply (9.1 %), sewage collection (12.1 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (3.5 %), refuse collection (6.7 %), services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (5.5 %), rentals for housing (1.5 %).

The average level of prices in health group increased by 4.2 %. 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 8.6 %, which was mainly affected by the rise in prices of fuels for transport (of 22.1 %). Prices of diesel went up by 24.5 %, of petrol by 18.3 %, of auto gas by 0.1 %. 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 second-hand motor cars, spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment reduced.

The average level of prices of recreation, sport and culture went up by 6.5 %. Increase was observed in prices of package holidays, products for pets, 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 7.6 %. Prices of hotel services increased on average by 5.4 %. Upturn was observed in prices of food and beverage serving services, of which prices of restaurant and café services rose by 3.7 %, of canteens, cafeterias and refectories services by 3.9 %. 

Prices of personal care, social protection, miscellaneous goods and services rose by 5.1 %. 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. Childcare services became cheaper.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable rise was registered in prices of cigarettes, tertiary education, garments, mobile telephone equipment, bank services, insurance connected with transport. In turn, beer, wine, spirits and liquors, childhood education were cheaper.

Price changes by commodity group

(as per cent)

Compared to the average price level of 2025, in August 2026 consumer prices were 3.4 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 1.8 % and prices of services by 7.4 %.

In August 2026 average consumer price changes in last 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months (annual average inflation) was 3.3 %.

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

*  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
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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