Romania and Moldova face high inflation in May 2026

Romania's consumer price index rose to an annual rate of 10.85% in May 2026, up from 10.71% in April. The surge is driven by a 55% jump in electricity tariffs after the removal of price caps, a 43% rise in rents, and sharp increases in fuel prices – gasoline up 30% and diesel up 37%. Food prices also climbed, with coffee (+21%), eggs (+14%) and beef (+12%) among the top gains.

In neighbouring Moldova, annual inflation reached 6.8% in May, close to 7%. The biggest driver was a near‑40% rise in egg prices, while transport fares rose 31% after fuel costs jumped over 26%. Bread, dairy and fruit prices also rose by 6‑8%. Both countries report that higher energy and transport costs are squeezing household budgets.

A separate price‑comparison study showed that a basket of ten basic goods bought in Romania cost 174 lei in May, whereas the same items cost only €23 (about 120 lei) in Italy. The most notable gap was olive oil, which is almost twice as expensive in Romania. The findings illustrate the broader purchasing‑power gap between the two economies amid rising inflation.