Austria’s inflation rate estimated at 3.0% in May 2025

According to a flash estimate released by Statistics Austria, the inflation rate in May 2025 is projected to be 3.0%, slightly lower than the 3.1% recorded in April. Compared to the previous month, prices are estimated to have decreased by 0.1%.

Services continued to be the primary contributor to inflation, with prices rising 4.4% year-on-year, although this represents a slight moderation compared to recent months. Prices for food, tobacco, and alcohol increased by 3.3%, also above the overall inflation rate. In contrast, energy prices rose by 1.3%, held down by lower fuel costs compared to the previous year, despite an increase in electricity prices. Prices for industrial goods recorded a more modest rise of 0.8%. Core inflation, which includes services and industrial goods, was estimated at 3.1% in May.

The flash estimate provides an early indication of the changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) based on approximately 80% to 90% of collected price data, although it is subject to revision once full data validation is completed. The final CPI figures for May 2025 are scheduled for release on June 18, 2025.

Statistics Austria also noted that differences exist between the national CPI and the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), mainly due to varying weighting methodologies, with the HICP including expenditure by foreign tourists.