Irish Inflation Hits 2.7% 20-Month High Driven by Food Prices

Inflation in Ireland, as measured by the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), rose to 2.7% year-on-year in September 2025, up from 1.9% in August, marking the highest rate since January 2024. This increase was influenced by a low base effect from September 2024, as explained by Central Statistics Office (CSO) statistician Anthony Dawson. Food prices were the main driver, rising 4.7% annually despite a slight 0.2% monthly decrease, while energy prices grew 1% year-on-year but fell 0.3% month-on-month. Transport costs also showed a mixed trend, decreasing 1.6% monthly but rising 1.5% annually. Core inflation, excluding energy and unprocessed food, also accelerated to 2.7%. Despite the annual increase, consumer prices fell slightly by 0.2% from August to September 2025, the first monthly decline in eight months.