PUBLISHED March 27, 2026
Inflation Holds Steady in February
According to data published by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), inflation in the Netherlands remained at 2.4% in February 2026, unchanged compared to January. This indicates a period of stability in overall price developments, with consumer prices continuing to rise at a consistent annual rate.
Monthly Price Developments Show Increase
Although the year-on-year rate remained unchanged, consumer prices increased by 1.0% compared to January.
This suggests that short-term price movements remain active, even if the broader inflation trend appears stable.
Inflation Measured Through the CPI
The inflation rate is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the prices of goods and services purchased by households. This index provides a comprehensive picture of price developments and serves as the main indicator of inflation in the Netherlands.
Services Continue to Drive Price Growth
Among the different categories, services recorded relatively strong price increases, with inflation in this segment reaching around 4.2%. This highlights the persistence of domestic price pressures despite overall stable inflation.
Price increases in other areas were more limited. Food, beverages, and tobacco recorded lower inflation compared to previous months, while non-energy industrial goods also showed only slight increases. These developments indicate that inflationary pressures are not uniform across all sectors.
Price increases in other areas were more limited. Food, beverages, and tobacco recorded lower inflation compared to previous months, while non-energy industrial goods also showed only slight increases. These developments indicate that inflationary pressures are not uniform across all sectors.
Energy prices showed little change compared to the previous year, contributing to the overall stability of inflation. The absence of strong fluctuations in energy costs has helped keep the overall inflation rate steady.
In addition to the national CPI, the harmonised European measure (HICP) stood at 2.3% in February, slightly below the national figure. This suggests that Dutch inflation developments are broadly aligned with trends across the euro area.
Overall, the data points to a stable inflation environment in the Netherlands, with no significant acceleration or decline in price growth. However, differences between sectors—particularly stronger service inflation—indicate that underlying dynamics remain uneven.
Energy prices showed little change compared to the previous year, contributing to the overall stability of inflation. The absence of strong fluctuations in energy costs has helped keep the overall inflation rate steady.
In addition to the national CPI, the harmonised European measure (HICP) stood at 2.3% in February, slightly below the national figure. This suggests that Dutch inflation developments are broadly aligned with trends across the euro area.
Overall, the data points to a stable inflation environment in the Netherlands, with no significant acceleration or decline in price growth. However, differences between sectors—particularly stronger service inflation—indicate that underlying dynamics remain uneven.
