New Istat update on inflation and price increases.
According to the Institute's latest preliminary estimates, "in October 2026, inflation will rise to 5.4% (from 4.2% in September) , returning to the level recorded in August 2023. The acceleration in inflation is primarily driven by the increase in energy prices (from 22.6% to 31.4%), which continues to be influenced by the international geopolitical situation. The food sector, especially the unprocessed products component (from 5.5% to 7.5%), and certain types of services, particularly those related to transportation (from 1.6% to 3.1%) also contributed to inflation."
The so-called "shopping cart" "accelerates (from +1.5% to +2.5%) and core inflation is expected to rise to +2.0% (from +1.6%). Inflation acquired in October, for 2026, stands at +3.4%.
Specifically, regulated energy prices rose 59.5% year-over-year in October, up from 25.8% in September, with a monthly increase of 18.8%. Gas prices in the regulated market rose 56.8% year-over-year and 5.5% month-over-month, while electricity prices rose 60.2% and 34.1%, respectively.
For unregulated energy products, the annual increase accelerated from 22.5% to 29.4%, with a monthly increase of 4.9%. Free-market gas prices rose 35.7% year-over-year and 16% month-over-month, while electricity prices increased 32% year-over-year and 5.5% month-over-month . Heating oil prices rose 45.6% year-over-year, and automotive oil prices rose 37.7%. Gasoline prices, however, slowed to 19.4%, from 21.8% in September.
(Unioneonline)
