The year 2026 has started with a noticeable increase in prices in Kosovo. The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) recorded an annual rise of 5.8% in January 2026 compared to the same period last year, while prices increased by 1.2% within a single month, according to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics, reports KosovaPress.

Flights and housing services see the largest increases

The Kosovo Agency of Statistics reports that the most significant annual increase was recorded in airline tickets, which rose by 50.4%, heavily impacting citizens’ budgets. Large increases were also noted in water supply and housing-related services (44.4%), as well as electricity (16.7%).

“Considerable price increases were also recorded for: solid fuels (17.2%), fruits (15.5%), meat (13.1%), dairy products, cheese, and eggs (8.7%), hotel services (8.6%), and coffee, tea, and cocoa (10.3%),” the ASK statement notes.

Overall, these groups contributed a combined impact of 6.2% to total inflation.

Price increases within the month

Compared to December 2025, prices in January rose by 1.2%. Again, airline tickets (42.1%) and housing services (41.4%) topped the list of monthly price increases. Price rises were also recorded for vegetables (4.2%), electricity (1.5%), and meat (0.7%).

Unlike most goods and services, fuels and lubricants for personal transport decreased by 7.3% on an annual basis and 3.4% on a monthly basis, partially easing inflationary pressures.