In February 2026, Albania’s Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which follows the methodology of the European Statistical Agency, recorded a 2.5% increase. INSTAT data for the same period shows the same rate. Both methods use the same approach, but differences arise from the weight assigned to each product group in calculating inflation.

The official data shows that Europe’s average inflation stands at 2.1%. This puts Albania slightly above the European average for the second month of the year, meaning local prices are higher than the continental norm. By contrast, the highest inflation rates in Europe in February occurred in Romania (8.3%), Kosovo (5.8%), Georgia (5%), and Iceland (4.7%).

Comparing regional neighbors, Albania performs relatively well against Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. However, the country still faces higher inflation than Germany, France, and Italy.

Analyzing price increases by product group, the largest rise was in “Recreation, sports, and culture” at 9.7%. Other notable increases include:

• “Personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous goods and services” – 3.3%

• “Insurance and financial services” – 3.0%

• “Alcoholic beverages and tobacco” – 2.7%

• “Rent, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels” – 2.7%

• “Furniture, household appliances, and home maintenance” – 2.4%

• “Food and non-alcoholic drinks” – 2.3%

• “Education services” – 2.3%

• “Restaurants and accommodation” – 1.8%

• “Clothing and footwear” – 1.2%

• “Health” – 1.0%

• “Information and communication” – 0.8%

• “Transport” – 0.1%

INSTAT also reported that starting February 2026, the Consumer Price Index uses the ECOICOP 2018 classification. The reference period for the index changed from December 2020 = 100 to 2025 = 100.