ECB, Lagarde: ‘Food inflation falling, just above 2% at the end of 2026’

Frankfurt (Germany), 26 February (LaPresse) – ‘Food price dynamics are particularly relevant’ in citizens’ perception of inflation. This was stated by ECB President Christine Lagarde during a hearing at the European Parliament, noting that food inflation ‘has been higher than HICP inflation since mid-2022’. Looking ahead, she added, ‘we expect it to continue to decline and stabilise at a level slightly above 2% towards the end of 2026’. Lagarde explained that the price trends of frequently purchased goods weigh significantly on households’ perceptions and contribute to the gap between actual and perceived inflation.