PUBLISHED April 28, 2026
Inflation Accelerates in March
According to “Inflatie in maart 2,7 procent” published by CBS, inflation in the Netherlands rose to 2.7% in March 2026. This marked an increase from 2.4% in February, showing that consumer prices gained momentum again after a softer previous month.
Prices Also Increased Month-on-Month
CBS reported that consumer prices were 0.7% higher in March than in February. While month-to-month changes can be influenced by seasonal effects, the increase still indicates firmer short-term price pressure at the start of spring.
Fuel Prices Were the Main Driver
The biggest contributor to higher inflation was transport costs, especially motor fuels. Fuel prices in March were 18.7% higher than a year earlier, compared with a rise of only 2.6% in February. Diesel prices showed the sharpest increase.
Food, beverages, and tobacco prices rose by 2.0% year-on-year in March, compared with 1.4% in February. This means everyday household expenses also added to the broader inflation pickup.
Food, beverages, and tobacco prices rose by 2.0% year-on-year in March, compared with 1.4% in February. This means everyday household expenses also added to the broader inflation pickup.
Although services inflation eased somewhat, it remained high. Prices for services rose 3.8% year-on-year in March after 4.2% in February, showing that domestic price pressures in areas such as hospitality and personal services continue to be significant.
CBS also noted that Dutch inflation measured under the European HICP standard was 2.6% in March, while euro area inflation stood at 2.5%. This suggests Dutch inflation was broadly aligned with the wider currency bloc.
The March increase shows that inflation in the Netherlands remains sensitive to fuel and commodity prices. If energy markets stabilize, price growth may ease again later in 2026. If not, households and businesses could continue facing renewed cost pressure in the coming months.
Although services inflation eased somewhat, it remained high. Prices for services rose 3.8% year-on-year in March after 4.2% in February, showing that domestic price pressures in areas such as hospitality and personal services continue to be significant.
CBS also noted that Dutch inflation measured under the European HICP standard was 2.6% in March, while euro area inflation stood at 2.5%. This suggests Dutch inflation was broadly aligned with the wider currency bloc.
The March increase shows that inflation in the Netherlands remains sensitive to fuel and commodity prices. If energy markets stabilize, price growth may ease again later in 2026. If not, households and businesses could continue facing renewed cost pressure in the coming months.
