Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) – Inflation in the eurozone reached 3.8% year-on-year in September, its highest level in three years, due to the rise in energy prices derived from the war in the Middle East, according to data from the Eurostat agency published this Friday.

First modification: 02/10/2026 - 12:08

The price increase in the 21 countries of the single currency was much higher than the figure for August (3.2%), according to a first estimate by Eurostat.

It also represents almost double the 2% objective set by the European Central Bank (ECB).

The September result published by Eurostat was slightly higher than the 3.7% expected by economists consulted by Bloomberg.

As the US war against Iran drags on, the conflict has caused major disruptions to fuel supplies from the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy trade.

Energy prices rose 18.8% in September, compared to 14.3% a month earlier, Eurostat said.

Core inflation, which excludes more volatile energy and food prices, stood at 2.5% last month, down from 2.4% in August.

For its part, food and beverage inflation reached 1.4% in September, from 1.1% registered in August.

Eurozone inflation has not exceeded the 3.8% level since September 2023, when it reached 4.3%.

© 2026 AFP

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