In September, the average level of consumer prices rose by 0.2 %

Central Statistical Bureau data show that in September 2026 the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.2 % compared with August 2026. The monthly change was driven mainly by higher prices in the transport group, particularly for fuels for transport, and lower prices in the food and non-alcoholic beverages group, particularly for fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs, as well as potatoes, coffee, other fresh fruits.

Compared with August 2026, the largest upward contributions to the monthly change in September 2026 came from transport group (0.3 percentage points), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.1 percentage points), as well as clothing and footwear (0.1 percentage points), whereas the largest downward contributions came from food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.2 percentage points), restaurants and accommodation services (0.1 percentage points), recreation, sport and culture (0.1 percentage points). 

Over the month, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages fell by 0.8 %. The decline in the average price level within the group was driven mainly by lower prices of fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (3.7 %) and potatoes (9.0 %). Lower prices were recorded for fresh or chilled other vegetables (6.9 %, particularly carrots, fresh button mushrooms and onions), fresh stone fruits and pome fruits (8.3 %, particularly apples and pears), and fresh citrus fruits (7.5 %). Mainly due to discounts, prices fell for coffee (2.2 %), fresh or frozen fish (4.5 %), yoghurt and similar products (1.5 %), and ready-made food (1.1 %). Decreases were also observed for fresh fruits (11.9 %, mainly due to special offers on grapes) as well as margarine and similar preparations (10.6 %). Prices rose for fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (5.8 %, partly due to the expiry of special offers on tomatoes), and for fresh dates, figs and tropical fruits (5.5 %). The end of sales also resulted in higher prices for fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (2.0 %), dried, salted or smoked meat (1.8 %), and fresh berries (6.0 %).

As the new autumn season assortment and collections reached stores, prices in the clothing and footwear group rose by 2.1 %. Prices of garments increased by 1.9 % on average and those of shoes and other footwear by 3.4 %.

The average price level for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 0.8 %. The strongest upward influence within the group came from electricity (3.0 %). Higher prices were also recorded for solid fuels (1.6 %) and heat energy (0.3 %), while rentals for housing were cheaper (0.9 %).

Prices in the transport group rose by 2.1 %, mainly due to higher prices of fuels for transport (9.6 %), with prices of diesel rising by 10.3 %, of petrol by 8.3 %, and of auto gas by 1.8 %. Prices of passenger transport by air and passenger transport by road, however, fell over the month.

The average price level in the recreation, sport and culture group decreased by 0.6 %, mainly due to lower prices of package holidays and products for pets. Higher prices, however, were recorded for books, other games, toys and hobby-related articles.

With the start of the new school year, prices of tertiary education rose by 5.6 %.

The average price level in the restaurants and accommodation services group fell by 2.4 %. Prices of hotel services decreased by 10.6 % over the month. Food and beverage serving services were more expensive, with prices of restaurant and café services rising by 0.3 % and prices in canteens, cafeterias and refectories services growing by 0.6 %.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable price rises were recorded for computers and medicines, while price decreases were recorded for other appliances, articles and products for personal care, spirits and liquors, household furniture, as well as household cleaning and maintenance products.

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

Compared with September 2025, the average level of consumer prices * rose by 3.2 % in September 2026. The annual change was driven mainly by higher prices in the transport group (1.6 percentage points, particularly for fuels for transport) as well as higher prices for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (1.2 percentage points). Recreation, sport and culture also made a significant upward contribution (0.5 percentage point). The overall rise was partly offset by lower prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.1 percentage points).

Over the year, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages fell by 4.8 %. The decline in the average price level within the group was driven mainly by lower prices of butter (24.6 %), bread (5.7 %), skimmed milk (17.2 %), as well as fresh, chilled or frozen meat of poultry (7.4 %). Lower prices were also recorded for preparations of meat (5.3 %), vegetable oils (19.8 %), fresh, chilled or frozen meat of pigs (7.0 %), fresh stone fruits and pome fruits (23.1 %), coffee (7.3 %), cheese (4.8 %), chocolate (8.3 %), yoghurt and similar products (5.2 %), other fresh fruits (19.9 %), fruit and vegetable juices (9.9 %), potatoes (12.7 %), eggs (9.6 %), and fresh citrus fruits (15.1 %). Prices rose, however, for fresh or chilled fruit-bearing vegetables (9.1 %), dried, salted or smoked fish (32.6 %), and other bakery products (3.1 %).

The average price level for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose by 7.3 %. Over the year, the most significant price increase was recorded for heat energy (9.1 %). Higher prices were also recorded for electricity (6.0 %), solid fuels (14.8 %), natural gas (16.6 %), charges for maintenance of multi-occupied buildings (3.8 %), sewage collection (7.8 %), water supply (5.4 %), refuse collection (7.3 %), services for the maintenance, repair and security of the dwelling (5.2 %).

The average price level in the health group increased by 2.9 % over the year. Prices rose for outpatient curative and rehabilitative services, dental services, as well as diagnostic imaging services and medical laboratory services.

In the transport group, prices increased by 12.6 % on average, mainly due to a 35.3 % rise in prices of fuels for transport.  Prices of diesel went up by 39.1 %, of petrol by 29.5 %, and of auto gas by 3.0 %. Higher prices were also recorded for maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by road, and new motor cars, while prices fell for second-hand motor cars and spare parts and accessories for personal transport equipment.

The average price level for recreation, sport and culture rose by 5.6 %. Prices increased for package holidays, products for pets, newspapers and periodicals, books, veterinary and other services for pets, services provided by museums, libraries and cultural sites, as well as sporting services.

In the restaurants and accommodation services group, the average price level went up by 5.7 %. Prices of hotel services rose by 2.0 % on average. Prices were also higher for food and beverage serving services, with prices of restaurant and café services increasing by 3.6 % and prices in canteens, cafeterias and refectories services growing by 4.0 %. 

Prices for personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services rose by 3.8 %. Higher prices were recorded for jewellery and watches, services in hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments, retirement home fee for elderly persons, and other appliances, articles and products for personal care, while prices of childcare services fell.

Among other commodity groups, the most notable price increases were recorded for cigarettes, tertiary education, mobile telephone equipment, household cleaning and maintenance products, bank services, insurance connected with transport, and price decreases for spirits and liquors, wine, early childhood education, and garments.

Price changes by commodity group

(per cent)

Compared with the average price level of 2025, consumer prices in September 2026 were 3.7 % higher. Prices of goods increased by 2.6 % and prices of services rose by 6.3 %.

In September 2026, average consumer price changes in last 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months (annual average inflation) was 3.2 %..

Information on consumer price changes in October 2026 will be published on 10 November 2026.

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