Economy & Trade
Eurozone inflation hits 3.8%, a three-year high
Eurozone inflation rose to 3.8 percent in September, its highest level in three years, according to figures published Friday by the European Union's statistical office.
The rate for the 21-country euro area was up from 3.2 percent in August and remained above the European Central Bank's two-percent target. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast 3.7 percent.
Eurostat said energy price inflation rose to 18.8 percent in September from 14.3 percent a month earlier. Core inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food prices, rose to 2.5 percent from 2.4 percent. Food and drinks inflation increased to 1.4 percent from 1.1 percent.
AFP reported that the war in the Middle East had disrupted fuel supplies from the region, including from the Strait of Hormuz.
Eurozone inflation was last above 3.8 percent in September 2023, when it stood at 4.3 percent.
Update
Energy price inflation rose to 18.8 percent in September from 14.3 percent in August, Eurostat said.
Core inflation rose to 2.5 percent from 2.4 percent in August.
Food and drinks inflation rose to 1.4 percent from 1.1 percent in August.
The September rate remained above the European Central Bank's two-percent target.
Eurozone inflation was last above 3.8 percent in September 2023, when it was 4.3 percent.
Source note: AFP news report published on 2 October 2026 at 09:34:01 UTC.
Update
The European Union's statistical office published the figure Friday.
The September rate was up from 3.2 percent in August.
Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast 3.7 percent.
AFP reported that the war in the Middle East fuelled a surge in energy costs.
Source note: AFP news report published on 2 October 2026 at 09:10:48 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The effect of the inflation reading on future European Central Bank interest rate decisions remains prospective.
Source
AFP news report published on .