Inflation in Slovakia eased to 3.7% in October, matching April’s level as the lowest recorded so far this year. Consumer prices rose only marginally month-on-month, increasing by 0.1%. Year-on-year inflation dropped below 4% for the first time in five months.
Month-on-Month Developments
Prices increased in nine out of twelve expenditure categories compared with September. The strongest monthly growth was recorded in recreation and culture (+0.7%), driven mainly by higher prices for package holidays. Personal care products and insurance contributed to a 0.4% rise in miscellaneous goods and services. Housing and energy costs, the largest component of household spending, increased by 0.1%, while clothing and footwear rose by 0.6%.
Transport prices fell by 1.5%, mainly due to cheaper air travel and lower fuel prices. Food and non-alcoholic beverages remained stable overall, as price declines in meat, fruit and selected delicacies balanced increases in vegetables, confectionery and fish. Non-alcoholic beverages became cheaper for the first time this year.
Year-on-Year Developments
All twelve expenditure categories recorded higher prices compared with October 2024. The strongest increases were in education and in restaurants and hotels, both up by 8.9%. Growth accelerated noticeably in miscellaneous goods and services (+6.7%), recreation and culture (+5.4%) and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (+6.1%).
A key factor easing overall inflation was the slowdown in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, which rose by just 1.4% year-on-year—the lowest rate since June 2024. Several food categories recorded price declines, including vegetables (down more than 10%), meat, fruit, oils and fats, and sugar and confectionery. Prices increased in categories such as milk, cheese, eggs, bread and cereals. Non-alcoholic beverages continued to rise, although at a slower pace.
Housing and energy prices increased by 2.5%, the same rate as in September, driven mainly by higher rents. Transport inflation eased to 3.4%, reflecting slower fuel price growth and lower motor-vehicle prices.
For the first ten months of 2025, consumer prices were up 4% year-on-year.
Core and Net Inflation
Core inflation stood at 3% in October, while net inflation—excluding food prices—was 3.4%. Both indicators increased by 0.1% compared with September.
Source: Statistical Office of the SR