TIRANA, March 9 – Albania’s inflation reached 2.5% in February 2026. This compares with 1.9% in February 2025. Consumer prices increased by 0.5% compared with January 2026.

INSTAT said rents, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose by 5.3%. Insurance and financial services increased by 4.3%. Recreation, sports and culture rose by 4.2%. Restaurants and accommodation services increased by 2.4%. Personal care and miscellaneous goods rose by 2.3%. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco and furniture, household equipment and maintenance rose by 2.2% each. Education services rose by 1.9%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 1.7%.

Rents and utility costs added 1.06 percentage points to annual inflation. Food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed 0.60 points. Furniture and household maintenance added 0.15 points. Restaurants and accommodation added 0.13 points. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco added 0.11 points.

Education services and insurance/financial services each contributed 0.06 points. Transport and information/communication each added 0.03 points. Clothing, footwear and health each contributed 0.02 points.

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