The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) in Kosovo recorded an annual increase of 6.8 percent in May 2026 compared to the same period last year, while on a monthly basis it fell by 0.4 percent, the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) said.

According to KAS, the annual rise in prices was mainly driven by higher transport costs, which increased by 14.1 percent, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels with a 13.2 percent rise, and alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics with 5.6 percent.

Other contributions to inflation came from restaurants and accommodation services with 5.3 percent, food and non-alcoholic beverages with 5.1 percent, health with 4.1 percent, furniture and household equipment with 3.6 percent, personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services with 3.0 percent, recreation, sports and culture with 2.7 percent, and clothing and footwear with 2.4 percent.

On the other hand, a yearly price decrease was recorded only in education services, which fell by 0.6 percent.

Regarding monthly price movements, in May 2026 the HICP dropped by 0.4 percent compared to April.

This monthly decline was mainly influenced by lower prices in transport, which fell by 2.0 percent, housing, energy and fuels by 0.7 percent, food and non-alcoholic beverages by 0.2 percent, and personal care and miscellaneous services by 0.1 percent.

Meanwhile, monthly increases were recorded in alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, as well as health, both rising by 0.7 percent, furniture and household equipment by 0.6 percent, information and communication by 0.3 percent, clothing and footwear by 0.3 percent, and restaurants and accommodation services by 0.2 percent.

According to KAS data, the annual inflation rate remains relatively high, despite easing price pressures on a monthly basis.

In comparison, inflation in April 2026 had reached 7.5 percent compared to the same period last year.