Eurozone inflation ticked higher in March 2026

Eurozone inflation has risen for the first time in months, with the March 2026 flash estimate showing headline inflation at 2.5%, up from 1.9% in February.

The jump is driven almost entirely by a renewed surge in energy prices, which climbed 4.9% year‑on‑year.

Core inflation eased to 2.3%, reinforcing the view that underlying domestic pressures continue to cool despite the headline spike. Services inflation also softened slightly.

For the European Central Bank, the data introduce fresh uncertainty. While policymakers have been preparing markets for potential rate cuts later this year, the energy‑led rebound may force a more cautious move in the future.