The annual inflation rate in Hungary slowed to 1.4% in February 2026 from 2.1% in the previous month, below market forecasts of 1.7%. This marked the lowest reading since November 2016, mainly due to slower cost increases for food (0.2% vs 1.3% in January), clothing and footwear (0.7% vs 1.6%), fuel and power (4.2% vs 6.2%), and services (4.2% vs 5%). On the other hand, prices declined at a softer pace for other goods, including motor fuels (-3.1% vs -3.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.1% in February, easing from a 0.3% gain in the preceding period. Meanwhile, annual core inflation rate, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, slowed to 2.1% in February from 2.7% in the prior month, marking the softest rise since September 2018.