Ireland’s consumer prices rebounded sharply in February 2026, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 0.9% month-on-month, reversing a decline recorded at the start of the year. The latest data, updated on 12 March 2026, show a significant turnaround from January 2026, when prices fell 0.9% compared with December.
On a month-over-month basis, the February figure marks a notable swing of 1.8 percentage points from the previous reading, underscoring renewed upward pressure on prices after a brief bout of deflationary movement. The comparison means that while January’s “previous” indicator reflected a 0.9% drop from the month before, February’s “actual” indicator shows prices climbing by the same magnitude against January’s lower base.
The shift back into positive territory will be closely watched by policymakers and market participants, as it may signal a reacceleration in short-term inflation dynamics following January’s correction. However, the data describe only the month-to-month change, not the broader annual inflation trend, leaving the longer-term price outlook still to be clarified by upcoming releases.