Hungarian inflation at 1.3% in August as food prices fall

According to data published by Hungary's Central Statistical Office (KSH) on 8 September, consumer prices in August 2026 were on average 1.3% higher than a year earlier. Compared with July, prices rose 0.2%.

What got cheaper and what got more expensive?

Food prices fell by an average of 1.4% over the year, or 4.8% excluding catering. The largest declines were in canned meat (27%), fresh domestic and tropical fruit (15.6%) and butter (15.5%); pork fell 12.9%, cheese 11.1% and milk 8.1%. Catering moved the other way: espresso rose 6.7%, set-menu meals 6.4% and restaurant meals 5.8%.

Services became 5% more expensive. Freight transport rose 13.9%, taxis 11%, postal services 9.6% and vehicle repair and maintenance 8.1%.

Households paid 4.3% less for energy: piped gas was 10.9% cheaper, while electricity cost 1.4% more. Motor fuel rose 1.3%, medicines 3.7% and alcoholic drinks and tobacco 3.2%.

What does it mean for households?

The low headline rate was driven mainly by cheaper food and gas, while services inflation stayed well above the average. Households that spend a large share on services, such as car repairs or eating out, may face a personal inflation rate above 1.3%.

KSH will publish September figures in October.