The inflation rate in Germany stood at +2.8% in October 2026 compared with the same month of the previous year, according to final figures confirmed by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This marks a deceleration in consumer price growth following rates of +3.3% in September 2026 and +2.9% in August 2026. Ruth Brand, president of Destatis, noted that the inflation rate moved back just below the three percent threshold, while energy prices continued to drive the elevated rate despite a fuel discount introduced at the beginning of the month. On a monthly basis, overall consumer prices declined by 0.2% in October 2026 compared to September 2026.
Energy product prices rose by 12.2% in October 2026 compared to October 2025, showing a slight easing in upward pressure following steady increases between July and September 2026. The crude oil market developments stemming from the Iran conflict continued to affect consumers in October. The newly implemented fuel discount, which took effect on October 1, 2026, acted to dampen price increases for energy products year on year. Motor fuel prices increased significantly by 28.9% compared to the previous year, though this was less severe than the +37.1% recorded in September 2026. Light heating oil recorded an 84.5% surge compared with the same month last year, while firewood, wood pellets, and other solid fuels rose by 14.5%. Conversely, prices for electricity (-5.2%) and natural gas excluding operating costs (-1.2%) remained below the levels of the previous year, partly due to federal government measures enacted at the start of the year.
Food prices rose at a below-average rate of +0.4% over the year to October 2026, matching the rate seen in September 2026. Within the food category, notable year-on-year increases affected eggs (+15.4%), fresh vegetables including potatoes (+11.5%), and fish and seafood (+4.5%). In contrast, edible fats and oils fell by 9.1% year on year, led by a 18.9% drop in butter prices, alongside declines in dairy products (-4.7%) and fresh fruit (-2.8%). The core inflation rate, defined as overall inflation excluding food and energy, stood at +2.1% in October 2026, remaining below the headline inflation rate.
Goods prices in total increased by 3.0% year on year in October 2026. Non-durable consumer goods rose by 4.7%, largely driven by energy, while durable goods prices edged up by 0.3%. Information processing equipment and tobacco products posted increases of 9.9% and 5.9% respectively. Conversely, price decreases were registered for items such as toys and hobby goods (-8.1%), coffee, tea and cocoa (-3.9%), and household appliances (-2.2%). Services prices advanced by 2.5% over the 12-month period, continuing a slight moderation in pace. Notable increases within services included social welfare services (+6.0%), vehicle maintenance and repair (+4.9%), hairdressing and personal care services (+4.4%), and water supply and housing services (+3.9%). Actual net rents rose by 1.9% year on year.
Compared to September 2026, the consumer price index fell by 0.2% in October 2026. Energy prices dropped by 2.1% month on month, with motor fuels declining by 5.5% as a result of the fuel discount, including drops of 5.8% for super-grade petrol and 5.1% for diesel. Conversely, light heating oil increased by 4.6% over the month, and international flights rose by 11.8%, while package holidays abroad fell by 2.4%. Food prices remained virtually unchanged month on month at +0.1%. The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) for Germany also recorded a year-on-year increase of +2.8% and a monthly decrease of -0.1% in October 2026.
