Ireland’s annual consumer inflation accelerates to 4.1 per cent
Ireland’s annual consumer inflation accelerated to 4.1 per cent in September from 3.7 per cent in August. Housing, energy and transport recorded substantial annual price increases, and all main spending divisions were dearer than a year earlier. The national index includes mortgage interest. Its EU-harmonised counterpart, which excludes that component, showed a lower annual increase in the final September figures.
Economics & Markets··Night
Annual inflation reaches its highest since January 2024
Ireland’s annual consumer inflation rose to 4.1 per cent in September from 3.7 per cent in August. The Central Statistics Office, Ireland’s national statistics agency, released the figures on October 8. The latest annual increase matched January 2024, the last time the national consumer-price index had risen at that pace.[1], [2]
Prices rose by 0.2 per cent over the month. Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the annual increase was 3.1 per cent. Every one of the thirteen main expenditure divisions recorded an annual rise for the third consecutive month, a pattern that had not occurred before July 2026, including during 2022 and 2023.[1]
Housing and transport record substantial annual increases
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose 9.5 per cent from a year earlier; education increased 8.9 per cent and transport 7.5 per cent. Heating oil, electricity, rents and mortgage interest contributed to housing inflation. Diesel, petrol and airfares contributed to transport inflation. Over the month, clothing and footwear rose 2.5 per cent while recreation, sport and culture fell 1.9 per cent.[1]
Mortgage interest separates the national and harmonised indices
Mortgage interest increased 10.2 per cent annually and 0.9 per cent monthly. The national index includes this component, while the harmonised consumer-price index excludes it. The final harmonised reading showed annual inflation of 3.8 per cent and a monthly increase of 0.2 per cent. Its annual flash estimate, released on October 1, had been 3.9 per cent.[1]
