Inflation in the eurozone rose to its highest level in three years in September, driven primarily by a sharp increase in energy costs, according to preliminary data released by the European Union's statistics agency Eurostat on Friday.
The annual inflation rate in the eurozone climbed to 3.8 percent in September, up from 3.2 percent in August, marking the highest reading since September 2023.
Eurostat's data showed that energy prices in the eurozone surged 18.8 percent year on year in September, accelerating from a 14.3 percent increase in August. The jump in energy costs was the main factor pushing up the overall inflation figure.
Analysts said that if energy prices remain elevated and continue to feed through to services and goods, the European Central Bank will face mounting pressure to raise interest rates.
Eurozone inflation hits three-year high of 3.8 percent in September
Eurozone inflation hits three-year high of 3.8 percent in September
Global food prices rose again in September due to tightened supplies and uncertainty over shipping schedules, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations (UN) secretary-general on Friday.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index averaged 136.0 points in September, up by 1.5 percent from August and 5.8 percent compared with the same month last year, Dujarric said at a press conference.
Sugar recorded the sharpest rise, increasing 6.1 percent to its highest level since April 2025, as global supplies are expected to tighten, said the spokesman.
"Commodity prices rose in September, driven by higher sugar, cereal and vegetable oil prices. Cereal prices were up 5.1 percent on the month, and wheat reached its highest level since August of 2023, largely because of logistical constraints in the Black Sea region. Maize hit a three-year high, as supplies tightened and uncertainty continued over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
For businesses and everyday consumers, these escalating supply-chain disruptions directly fuel rising grocery bills and broader inflation, placing immediate financial pressure on household budgets worldwide and worsening food insecurity risks in import-dependent nations.
Global food prices rise in Sept due to tightened supplies: UN
