The annual inflation rate in Italy picked up to 3.3% in August 2026 from 2.9% in July, marking the highest reading since September 2023, according to preliminary estimates. The acceleration was driven mainly by a rise in energy inflation, with non-regulated energy prices rising 16.9% from 11.4% in July, while regulated energy inflation climbed to 18.8% from 14.8%, reflecting continued inflationary pressure from ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, prices for recreational, cultural and personal care services eased to 2.6% from 3%, while transportation services slowed to 0.9% from 1.6%. Food inflation remained stable at 1.1%. Core inflation, which excludes energy and fresh food prices, edged down to 1.5% from 1.6%. On a monthly basis, CPI inflation rose 0.5%, the most since April, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% increase and following a 0.3% gain in July. The HICP inflation also accelerated to 3.2% year-on-year in August from 2.9% in July.