Daily life in the Netherlands was 3.2% more expensive in July than in the same month last year, according to final figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The inflation rate was slightly higher than the 3.1% reported in the earlier flash estimate. It also marked a further increase, following inflation’s sharp fall to 2.9% in June.
The war in the Middle East, which began in late February, pushed oil and gas prices sharply higher during the first months of the conflict. As a result, inflation reached 3.5% in May. Before the conflict, inflation stood at 2.4% in February.
CBS said motor fuel and energy prices were again the main drivers of inflation in July. Motor fuels were 22% more expensive than a year earlier, up from an annual increase of 17.3% in June.
Energy prices, including gas, electricity and district heating, were 1.1% higher in July than a year earlier. By comparison, energy prices in June 2026 were still 1.8% lower than in June 2025.
The expansion of import duties on consumer goods ordered from outside the European Union also contributed to higher inflation, CBS said.
Housing costs, however, rose less sharply and helped ease inflationary pressure. CBS measures housing costs for both rented and owner-occupied homes based on rent developments. Preliminary figures show that housing was 4.3% more expensive in July than a year earlier. In June, the annual increase was 4.7%.
Compared with June, consumer prices increased by 1.6% in July.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
