The primary drivers of this figure were services, which surged by 11.37%, followed by non-food goods at 9.41% and food items at 7.89%.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February 2026 stood at 100.59% compared to the previous month, while the inflation rate since the start of the year reached 1.5%. Over the last 12 months, the average price increase was 8.1% compared to the preceding period. Using the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which allows for EU-wide comparisons, the annual inflation rate was slightly lower at 8.3%.

"The consumer price index in February 2026 compared to January 2026 was 100.59%, with the annual inflation rate compared to February 2025 reaching 9.3%," the INS said.

Despite this slight deceleration, the National Bank of Romania (BNR) has adjusted its long-term outlook. The central bank recently revised its inflation forecast for the end of 2026 upward to 3.9%, increasing it from the previously estimated 3.7%.