The annual inflation rate in the Czech Republic eased to 2.1% year-on-year in May 2026 from 2.5% in the previous month and came in slightly below market expectations of 2.3%, according to preliminary estimates. The slowdown was mainly due to softer price increases in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (3.7% vs 5.2% in April), goods (0.6% vs 1.1%), and services (4.7% vs 4.8%). At the same time, costs for food and soft drinks continued to decline (-1.9% vs -1.3%).In contrast, energy prices increased further (1.8% vs. 1.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.1% in May 2026, slowing from a 0.5% increase in the previous month.