Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Food prices increased 2.6% over the 12-month period, although prices fell 0.3% when food and beverage serving services were excluded. Within food, some of the sharpest increases were recorded for chocolate and cocoa, up 13.5%, other confectionery products, up 12.4%, and coffee, up 12.0%. Prices for buffet products climbed 11.8%, while meals at schools rose 8.1% and restaurant meals increased 8.0%. Non-alcoholic beverages were up 6.6%, edible oil rose 5.8%, rolls increased 5.6% and eggs were 3.5% more expensive.
At the same time, several staple items became cheaper. Margarine prices dropped 27.8%, flour fell 11.6% and milk product prices declined 14.3%, including a 12.3% decrease for milk. Pork prices were down 9.8%, other meat preparations fell 5.5%, cheese dropped 5.3% and sugar prices declined 4.0%.
Household energy costs rose sharply. Prices for electricity, gas and other fuels increased an average of 8.9%. Natural and manufactured gas prices jumped 19.8%, while electricity prices increased 2.2%.
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco became 7.1% more expensive over the year, driven by an 8.6% increase in tobacco prices.
Service prices rose 6.8% year over year. Recreational services recorded the steepest increase at 14.3%, followed by personal care services at 9.8%. Repairs and maintenance of vehicles rose 9.6%, dwelling repairs increased 9.0%, health services were up 8.9% and other public entertainment tickets climbed 8.7%. Rents increased 5.7%.
Consumer durable goods prices rose 2.7%. Jewelry prices surged 24.5%, while living and dining room furniture increased 5.0%. Heating and cooking appliances were up 2.3%, and new passenger cars cost 2.7% more. In contrast, motor fuel prices fell 8.6%. Pharmaceutical products became 5.1% more expensive over the year.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.1% in December compared with November. Food prices declined 0.2% overall, though eggs increased 3.0% and non-alcoholic beverages rose 1.4%. Energy prices increased 0.9%, service prices rose 0.8%, and motor fuel prices fell 1.7%.
For the full year 2025, consumer prices increased an average of 4.4% compared with the previous year.
Services saw the largest annual increase at 6.7%, followed by food at 5.3% and alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 6.5%. Prices for pensioner households rose 4.5% over the same period.
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For over 30 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
