Estonia's consumer price index up 2.2% year-on-year in July
Estonia's consumer price index rose 0.5% in July from June and 2.2% year-on-year, with cheaper food and beverages offsetting higher housing and transport costs.
According to data from Statistics Estonia, the consumer price index in July increased by 0.5% compared with June and by 2.2% compared with the same month a year earlier. Goods were 1% more expensive and services 3.9% more expensive than in July of the previous year.
Lauri Veski, head of consumer price statistics at the agency, noted that annual price growth remains relatively modest. The last time year-on-year inflation was this low was in April 2021. Although housing, transport, alcohol and tobacco prices have risen over the year, the overall index growth has been curbed by cheaper food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Changes in housing-related costs in July were largely driven by the waste management reform. Waste removal prices jumped 52.2% month on month. Water supply costs rose 6.6%, mainly in Tallinn, and rents went up 4%. Electricity, however, became 4.1% cheaper than in June, but still cost 13.9% more than a year earlier, mainly due to a shortage of hydroelectric power during heat periods. Pipeline gas has also grown 26.2% in annual terms.
In transport, petrol prices increased 1.2% and diesel 0.4% against June. Year on year, petrol was 6.2% more expensive, diesel 12.8%, while international flights were 11.4% cheaper.
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco rose 6.4% over the year, reflecting an excise increase implemented in January 2026. Meanwhile, food and non-alcoholic drinks became 1.6% cheaper. On a monthly basis, food prices grew 0.4%, but fruits and nuts fell 10.8% year on year, milk, dairy products and eggs 3.1%, and vegetables 3.8%. Fish and fish products were up 6.1%, and soft drinks 4%.
