The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands rose to 2.7% in March 2026, a three-month high, up from 2.4% in February, according to preliminary estimates. The main upward pressure came from a surge in energy prices, including motor fuels, which rose 6.5% after showing no growth in February. At the same time, inflation accelerated for food, beverages, and tobacco (2.0% vs 1.4%). Meanwhile, price growth eased for services (3.8% vs 4.2%), while inflation remained unchanged for industrial goods excluding energy and motor fuels (0.4%). The index for consumption abroad declined by 0.5%, following a 0.9% drop in the previous period. On a monthly basis, consumer prices are expected to rise 0.7%, easing from a 1.0% increase in February. HICP-based inflation, which excludes owner-occupied housing costs, came in at 2.6% in March, up from 2.3% in February.
