At the beginning of spring 2026, a significant intensification of inflationary processes was recorded in Ukraine. According to the State Statistics Service, consumer prices rose by 1.7% in March compared to February. For comparison, the inflation rate in January was 0.7%, and in February it was 1%. Year-on-year (March 2026 compared to March 2025), inflation reached 7.9%.
This is reported by Finway
Price Increases in the Transport Sector and Clothing Market
The most significant price increases were noted in the transport sector, where the overall price rise amounted to 6.4%. This was a direct result of changes in the energy market: in March alone, prices for fuel and lubricants jumped by 13.2%, and over the year, by more than 23%. The cost of train tickets increased by 8.2%, while bus passenger transport rose by 6%.
At the same time, spring collections impacted the clothing and footwear market: the price of clothing increased by 12%, and footwear by 11.8%.
Price Dynamics for Food Products and Other Categories
Regarding food products and non-alcoholic beverages, the average price increase in March was 1.3%, although changes within the category varied. The largest price increase was for eggs, which rose by 7.7%. Prices for sunflower oil (+3.3%), fruits (+2.4%), and bread products, fish, and beef (within 0.8–4.8%) also increased.
“Overall, food products and non-alcoholic beverages became moderately more expensive by 1.3%, but within the category, there were significant fluctuations. Thus, eggs were the absolute leaders in price increases, rising by 7.7%.”
In the telecommunications sector, prices increased by 2.5%, linked to a 3.8% rise in mobile operators’ tariffs. Alcoholic and tobacco products became more expensive by 1.1%, mainly due to a 1.3% increase in cigarette prices.
Conversely, some products became cheaper. Ukrainians could save on sugar (down 1.0%), pasta, rice, as well as pork, poultry meat, and butter (decreases ranging from 0.1% to 1.0%).
It is worth noting that in February 2026, inflation in Ukraine was 7.6% year-on-year and 1.0% month-on-month.