Inflation in the Netherlands increased to 4.1% in April 2025, according to the flash estimate by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This marks a noticeable jump from 3.7% in March, pointing to renewed upward pressure on consumer prices.
The month-on-month rise in prices was 1.0%, a relatively sharp increase compared to previous months. Although the April figure is based on preliminary data, it offers a strong indication that inflation is not easing.
Food prices remain key driver
The main contributor to the rise was food. CBS notes that food, beverages and tobacco have been seeing consistent year-on-year price increases. While a full breakdown will follow on 13 May, the pattern points to continued price hikes in essential grocery categories.
Earlier figures showed that in January, food-related prices were already up by 7.0% compared to the year before. That trend appears to have persisted or even worsened by April.
Energy prices offer limited relief
Energy prices, which heavily influenced inflation in recent years, have moved in the opposite direction. In January, energy was 1.4% cheaper than a year earlier, according to CBS data. While this decline may have softened the overall inflation rate, it was clearly insufficient to counterbalance rising food costs.
Outlook and final figures
CBS’s flash estimate provides an early look at price developments, though the final April data will be released on 13 May. That report will include detailed figures across categories such as housing, transport, and services.
The headline number, however, already signals a worrying trend: core expenses for Dutch households continue to rise, and inflationary pressure is far from resolved.
Source: Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS)
