Romania Inflation (Core, ann. var. %, eop)

Inflation unexpectedly rebounds in February

Inflation came in at 15.5% in February, up from January’s 15.1% and overshooting market expectations. Looking at the details of the release, prices of non-food goods and services rose at a quicker pace compared to the previous month.

Annual average inflation rose to 14.9% in February (January: 14.3%).

Lastly, consumer prices increased a seasonally adjusted 0.98% in February over the previous month, picking up from January’s 0.34% increase.

On the outlook, analysts at the EIU commented:

“Broad-based inflationary pressures will remain strong throughout 2023, from both the supply and demand side. On the demand side, a still-relaxed fiscal stance will be supportive of price rises. A stabilisation of energy costs, the resolution of supply-chain disruptions and tighter monetary policy will cause inflation to moderate more significantly from 2024.”