Hungary consumer prices in February 2025 up 5.6% year-on-year

Inflation in February 2025 saw consumer prices rise by 5.6% compared to the same month in the previous year, according to newly released data. Over the course of one month, prices increased by 0.8%, with food seeing the highest jump at 1.2%.

Annual Inflation Trends

Compared to February 2024, food prices surged by 7.1%, with key staples seeing sharp increases. Flour prices soared by 44.3%, edible oil rose by 27.5%, and eggs saw a 24.7% hike. Dairy products also became significantly more expensive, with milk up 22.5%, butter up 19.2%, and milk products up 10.9%. Coffee prices climbed 16.1%, while fruit and vegetable juices rose 14.5%, and chocolate and cocoa increased by 13.8%. However, the price of pasta products declined by 4.4%.

Services became 9.2% more expensive, with postal services up by 16.8%, telephone and internet services rising by 14.9%, and rents increasing by 12.2%. The costs of repair and maintenance rose by 10.4% for dwellings and 10.3% for vehicles, while personal care services increased by 9.4%.

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices increased by 5.0%, with tobacco specifically rising by 4.9%. Consumer durables saw a 1.6% price increase, with jewelry becoming 18.9% more expensive, new passenger cars rising by 6.6%, and living and dining room furniture up 2.9%. However, second-hand cars became 2.9% cheaper.

The cost of electricity, gas, and other fuels fell slightly by 0.2%, with firewood prices declining by 4.9%. However, butane and propane gas rose by 10.1%, while electricity prices edged up 0.6% and natural and manufactured gas saw a 0.1% increase. Motor fuels increased by 3.8%, while pharmaceutical products rose by 3.2%.

Monthly Inflation Trends

Compared to January 2025, consumer prices increased by 0.8%, with food prices rising 1.2%. The most significant increases were seen in edible oil (+5.4%), coffee (+5.2%), margarine (+4.4%), and seasonal food items (+3.8%). Bread rose by 3.3%, other meat preparations by 2.7%, and chocolate and cocoa by 2.3%. Butter increased by 2.0%, while poultry meat saw a 1.9% rise. Some food products, however, saw price reductions, with milk dropping by 2.6% and pork by 0.8%.

Service prices increased by 1.2%, with personal care services up 1.6%, vehicle repair and maintenance up 1.5%, and dwelling maintenance costs rising by 1.4%. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco became 1.1% more expensive, driven by a 2.5% rise in alcohol prices. The cost of electricity, gas, and other fuels increased by 0.2%, with butane and propane gas rising 1.2% and natural and manufactured gas up 0.3%. Meanwhile, motor fuel prices dropped by 0.9%, providing some relief to consumers.

As inflation remains elevated, economic analysts continue to monitor rising food and service costs, with expectations that energy prices and global supply chain trends will play a key role in determining future inflationary pressures.

Source: Hungarian Central Statistical Office