16.04.202609:00:00UTC+00Euro Zone Core Inflation (Ex Tobacco) Jumps to 2.5% in March, Marking Sharp Year-on-Year Acceleration

Core consumer prices in the Euro Zone, excluding tobacco, accelerated notably in March 2026, with the year-over-year rate rising to 2.5%. This compares with a 1.8% increase recorded in February 2026, according to data updated on 16 April 2026.

The indicator, measured on a year-over-year basis, shows how prices in March 2026 evolved versus March 2025, while the previous figure reflected February 2026 compared with February 2025. The move from 1.8% to 2.5% suggests a clear pickup in underlying inflationary pressures within the currency bloc, even when volatile tobacco components are excluded.

The sharper rise in core inflation ex tobacco will likely draw attention from policymakers and market participants monitoring how persistent price pressures are across the Euro Zone. The data add to the broader picture of inflation dynamics as investors assess the region’s monetary policy outlook and potential implications for growth and asset prices.