Doha:Spain's annual inflation rate increased to 4.9 percent in September 2026, up from 4.3 percent in August, surpassing the anticipated 4.7 percent forecast.

According to Qatar News Agency, preliminary estimates from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) indicate that this rise was primarily fueled by higher prices for fuel and lubricants for motor vehicles, reversing a decline seen in September 2025.

Additionally, the prices of package holidays contributed to the inflation increase, as they decreased at a slower rate compared to the same period last year.

On a monthly basis, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew by 0.3 percent in September, following a 0.7 percent rise in August.

Core inflation, which excludes energy components, also saw an increase, reaching 3.1 percent from 2.9 percent in August, marking its highest level since March 2024.

Using the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices for European Union comparisons, Spain's annual inflation rate reached 5.0 percent in September, up from 4.6 percent in August, with the index rising 0.6 percent on a monthly basis, slightly down from a 0.7 percent increase the previous month.