Ireland's Inflation Rate Holds at 3.6% in April 2026 Amidst Energy Price Surge
Ireland's inflation rate held steady at 3.6% in April 2026, matching the March figure. Energy prices rose 15.5% and food prices increased 2% year-on-year. The Department of Finance forecasts 3.3% to 4.6% average inflation for the year, depending on the Middle East conflict's impact on energy.
Ireland's annual inflation rate remained at 3.6% in April 2026, consistent with the rate recorded in the 12 months to March. This stability follows a significant increase in March, largely attributed to the rapid rise in oil prices in the wake of the Iran war. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported that energy prices surged by 15.5% in the 12 months leading up to April, while food prices are estimated to have increased by 2% over the same period.
Anthony Dawson, a statistician with the CSO, noted that the collection of prices for April 2026 occurred between April 13 and 23. This timing implies that some fuel prices were recorded prior to the implementation of additional government measures aimed at mitigating fuel costs. Excluding energy and unprocessed food prices, inflation is estimated to have risen by 2.3% since April 2025. These figures are compiled using the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices.
The Department of Finance last week projected that inflation could average between 3.3% and 4.6% for the current year. This forecast is contingent on the extent of the impact that the Middle East conflict has on energy prices.