The annual inflation rate in the Czech Republic rose to 1.9% year-on-year in March 2026, up from 1.4% in the previous month and slightly below market expectations of 2%, according to preliminary estimates. This marked the highest level since December 2025, driven by higher prices for services (4.7% vs 4.5% in February) and a rebound in goods prices (0.1% vs -0.7%). At the same time, the decline in energy prices eased (-1.7% vs -7.8%). Meanwhile, prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages fell (-1.1% vs 0.4%), while inflation in alcoholic beverages and tobacco slowed (3.3% vs 4%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.6% in March, recovering from a 0.1% decline in February