Ukraine’s Inflation Accelerates to 8.1% in August Amid Rising Fuel and Transport Costs

Ukraine’s Inflation Accelerated to 8.1% in August 2026

Ukraine’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 8.1% in August 2026, up from 7.7% in July. At the same time, consumer prices increased by 0.1% compared with the previous month, according to data published on September 9 by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine.

Between January and August 2026, consumer prices were, on average, 7.8% higher than during the same period last year.

Core Inflation Increased in August

Core inflation, which excludes products subject to significant seasonal fluctuations and administratively regulated tariffs, reached 0.5% in August, compared with 0.3% in July.

On an annual basis, core inflation remained at 8.1%, indicating persistent price pressures in the Ukrainian economy.

Food Prices Declined in August

One of the few segments where prices declined was food and non-alcoholic beverages. In August, prices in this category fell by an average of 1.3%, mainly due to seasonal products.

The largest decreases were recorded for vegetables, whose prices fell by 18.3%, and fruit, which became 12% cheaper. Butter prices declined by 0.6%.

By contrast, eggs, sugar, fish, meat, cheese, bread, pasta and dairy products became more expensive, with price increases ranging from 0.6% to 4%.

Compared with August 2025, food and non-alcoholic beverages were 6% more expensive.

Tobacco and Alcohol Prices Continue to Rise

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products became 1.5% more expensive in August alone, while their cumulative increase over the past 12 months reached 17%.

Tobacco product prices increased by 2.1% in a single month, maintaining pressure on this category of consumer spending.

Transport and Fuel Recorded the Largest Increases

The transport sector recorded some of the most significant price increases. In August, products and services in this category became 4.4% more expensive, while compared with August 2025, prices increased by 23.8%.

Fuel and lubricants became 8.1% more expensive in a single month and 38.7% more expensive over the past year. At the same time, road passenger transport fares increased by 6.6% in August and by 39.1% compared with the same month in 2025.

Utility Prices Increased, While Clothing Became Cheaper

Housing services, water supply, electricity, gas and other fuels became 1.3% more expensive in August and 5.6% more expensive compared with the previous year.

The largest increases in this category were recorded for water supply and sewerage services, whose tariffs rose by 16.8% and 16.7%, respectively, in a single month.

By contrast, clothing and footwear became 2.5% cheaper in August. Compared with August 2025, prices in this category were 4.9% lower.

Inflationary Pressures Could Increase Toward the End of the Year

In June, the State Statistics Service reported the first monthly decline in consumer prices in a year. Annual inflation slowed to 7.2% at that time, but resumed its upward trend in July, reaching 7.7%, and rose further to 8.1% in August.

The National Bank of Ukraine had previously estimated that inflation would begin accelerating again toward the end of 2026 before slowing in 2027. The trend is expected to be supported by an adequate supply of food products, while high business costs, hryvnia depreciation and wage growth amid labor shortages could continue to fuel price pressures.

An additional risk factor is the Russian attacks on warehouses and logistics hubs. According to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, these attacks are not expected to cause food shortages, but transport and delivery disruptions could lead to higher prices for certain categories of goods.