The annual inflation rate in the Netherlands edged up to a three-month high of 3.3% in August 2026 from 3.2% in July, confirming preliminary estimates. The pickup was mainly driven by higher inflation for housing and utilities (4.1% vs 3.9% in July), due to increased costs of electricity, gas and fuels. Inflation also rose further for alcoholic beverages (1.9% vs 1.6%) and clothing and footwear (1.1% vs 0.2%). Meanwhile, transport inflation eased slightly to 8.3% from 8.6%, while restaurants slowed to 3.8% from 4.6% and recreation, sports and culture to 2.2% from 3.2%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages prices fell further, declining 1% after a 0.4% drop in July. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3%, easing from a 1.6% jump in the previous period. Meanwhile, HICP-based annual inflation, which excludes owner-occupied housing costs, slowed to 2.8% from 3% in July. Prices of goods and services purchased abroad also rose sharply, increasing 7.4% year-on-year from 4.8%.