Inflation is measured every month as the development of the consumer price index (CPI) compared to the same month in the previous year. The CPI also provides insight into price development compared to a month earlier. In the quick estimate, prices for consumers rose by 0.2 percent in August compared to July.
The regular CPI figures for August will be published on September 9.
In the quick estimate, prices for consumers rose by 0.2 percent in August compared to July. A note on comparing two different months in the year is that one must consider the influence of the season. For example, airline tickets in holiday months are more expensive than in other months. Prices are temporarily higher then, but this is not a structural price increase.
The quick estimate also reveals the price development of several product groups. These are aggregates of spending categories on a particular theme, such as all services. On September 9, the price development for all categories in the CPI will be published.
CBS publishes two different figures for inflation. One based on the consumer price index (CPI) and one based on the European Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HICP). The quick estimate of inflation in the Netherlands according to the HICP was 2.4 percent in August. In July, inflation according to the HICP was 2.5 percent.
The main difference between the CPI and the HICP for the Netherlands is that the HICP does not take into account the costs of living in ones own home. In the CPI, these costs are calculated based on the development of housing rents. There are also other differences, which are explained in differences between consumer price figures .
Starting in 2026, the CPI and the HICP will switch to a new base year, from 2015=100 to 2025=100. Previously published inflation figures will not be revised. The transition will also include an update of the classification of goods and services in use, which better aligns with changing consumption patterns. Furthermore, the CPI will be more aligned with the HICP starting in 2026. The first results according to the new series with reference year 2025 will be published in early February 2026. More information can be found in the methodology document The Consumer Price Index from 2026.