The inflation rate in Romania rose 10.9% year-on-year in May 2026 from 10.7% in the previous month, hitting the highest level since April 2023. Prices rose for non-food goods (12.5% vs 12% in April), particularly household products, furniture (5.3% vs 5.2%), chemicals (8.2% vs 7.6%), cultural and sporting products (8.5% vs 8.1%), hygiene, cosmetic and medical items (6.2% vs 5.9%), and fuels (19.2% vs 15.7%), while costs also increased for services (13.5% vs 13%). Conversely, inflation slowed for food products (6.8% vs 7.4%), weighed down by slower increases in milling and bakery products (7.3% vs 7.8%), fruit and canned fruit (5.5% vs 9.6%), sugar, confectionery and honey (10.6% vs 11.1%), cocoa and coffee (21.1% vs 22.5%), and alcoholic beverages (7.7% vs 7.9%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices eased 0.6% in May from 0.8% increase in the previous month. Meanwhile, the HICP-based annual inflation rate rose to 9.7% from 9.5% in April.