The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands edged higher to 2.8% in April 2026 from 2.7% in March, confirming preliminary estimates and marking the highest reading since late December. The uptick was mainly driven by stronger price increases in transport (6.2% vs 5.9%), amid surging fuel prices linked to Middle East tensions. Inflation also rose for alcoholic beverages and tobacco (2.2% vs 2.1%) and insurance and financial services (5.4% vs 5.0%). On the other hand, inflation slowed for food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.4% vs 2.0%), clothing and footwear (0.1% vs 1.3%), housing and utilities (3.3% vs 3.5%), and recreation and culture (1.6% vs 1.8%). Prices for household equipment and maintenance remained in deflation (-0.6% vs -0.4%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices jumped 1.1%, the most since July last year, picking up from a 0.7% increase in March. Meanwhile, annual HICP inflation, which excludes owner-occupied housing, edged down to 2.5% from 2.6% in the previous period.