Inflation eases to 3.4% in July
Greece’s annual inflation rate slowed to 3.4% in July 2026, down from 4.4% in June, marking the third consecutive month of decline, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) said Friday.
The July rate was slightly higher than the 3.1% recorded in July 2025, with the slowdown mainly reflecting more moderate price increases in food and some services.
Food prices continued to show significant differences across categories.
Beef prices rose 14.3% year-on-year, while lamb and goat meat increased 12.4%. Salted fish prices were up 9.6%, margarine and other vegetable fats 8.6%, and dairy products and eggs 2.9%.
However, several food categories recorded declines. Olive oil prices fell sharply by 21.7%, while fruit prices dropped 9.4%. Ice cream prices fell 8.8%, vegetables 1.5%, and salt, sauces and seasonings 5.8%.
Housing and services continue to rise
Housing and service costs remained a source of inflationary pressure.
Rents increased 6.8% from a year earlier, while house maintenance and repair costs rose 4.8%. Prices at restaurants, cafés, confectioneries and fast-food outlets increased 6.4%, while package holidays rose 6.2%.
Health insurance premiums increased 7%, while motor insurance premiums rose 1.9%. Clothing and footwear prices were 3.3% higher, and hairdressing and personal care services increased 4.2%.
Energy costs continued to record strong annual increases despite the overall easing in inflation.
Diesel prices were 22% higher than in July 2025, while petrol rose 13.3%. Natural gas increased 16.7% and heating oil surged 53.2%. Passenger air transport costs also rose 17.5%.
Electricity prices, however, fell 2.8% year-on-year.
Compared with June, prices rose in several categories during July. Diesel increased 12.1%, while passenger air transport costs rose 13.7%. Egg prices increased 3.5%, pork 2%, cheese 1% and electricity 0.6%. Rents rose 0.3%.
These increases were partly offset by lower prices for fruit, which fell 13.1% month-on-month. Natural gas prices dropped 3.7%, while lamb and goat meat fell 2.4%, yoghurt 2.9% and vegetables 1.7%.
Recreational services and travel goods also recorded monthly price declines.
