FX.co ★ France February Inflation Revised to 0.9%

France’s annual inflation rate rose to 0.9% in February 2026, up from 0.3% in January, though it was revised down from an initial estimate of 1.0%. The increase was mainly driven by a slower decline in energy prices (-2.9% vs -7.6%), reflecting base effects on electricity (-3.6% after -14.6%) and smaller decreases in petroleum product prices. The decline in manufactured goods prices also eased slightly (-0.2% vs -1.2%).

Food inflation edged up to 2.0% from 1.9%, supported by higher prices for fresh products (+1.8%), fruits and vegetables (+19.8%), and meat (+3.4%). Tobacco prices rose 3.0%, compared with 2.7% previously, while inflation in services slowed modestly to 1.6% from 1.7%. Annual core inflation stood at 0.9%.

On a monthly basis, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.6% in February, following a 0.3% decline in January. This rebound was largely due to seasonal factors, notably higher transport prices (+4.1%) and a 1.4% rise in manufactured goods prices, driven in part by the end of winter sales on clothing and footwear (+5.9%).

The EU-harmonised consumer price index (HICP) rose 1.1% year-on-year in February, after 0.4% in January. Month-on-month, the HICP increased by 0.7%, following a 0.4% decline in the previous month.