Annual inflation in the eurozone reached 3.2% in May 2026, up from 3% in April.
Looking at the main components of eurozone inflation, energy is expected to have recorded the highest annual rate in May, at 10.9%, compared with 10.8% in April.
In Greece, energy remains the biggest factor fuelling inflation. Energy prices recorded an annual increase of 20.2%, remaining at extremely high levels despite a slight decline from the 21.6% recorded the previous month.
This development directly affects both households and businesses, as it feeds into the costs of production, transport and services.
The acceleration of price increases in the services sector is also a cause for concern. The relevant index rose to 5.7%, from 3.9% in April, marking a significant deterioration.
Increases in catering, tourism, transport and other services reflect the ongoing pressure on citizens’ disposable income.
By contrast, food inflation slowed, reaching 3.1%, compared with 3.8% the previous month.
Despite this improvement, prices remain significantly higher than in previous years, keeping the cost of living elevated.
According to Eurostat’s preliminary estimate, the highest inflation rates in the eurozone in May were recorded in Bulgaria, at 6.3%, Lithuania, at 5.1%, Greece, at 5%, Croatia, at 4.9%, and Luxembourg, at 4.5%.
In the same month, the lowest inflation rates were recorded in Germany, at 2.7%, France, at 2.8%, and Finland, at 3%.
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