Inflation in Hesse rose to 3.4 percent in September

Significantly rising prices for fuel and heating oil have pushed the inflation rate in Hesse to its highest level since the end of 2023.

Consumer prices rose by 3.4 percent in September compared to the same month last year, as the State Statistical Office in Wiesbaden announced. “It increased for the third month in a row and reached its highest level since December 2023.” In July the inflation rate was 2.7 percent and in August it was 3.0 percent.

The main reason for the increase in the inflation rate in September was higher energy prices due to the Iran war. According to preliminary figures, energy cost an average of 3.7 percent more than in August and a good 15 percent more than a year ago. Prices for heating oil rose particularly sharply, rising by a good 80 percent within a year, and fuel prices rose by almost 40 percent. In contrast, natural gas (minus 6.5 percent), electricity (minus 6.3 percent) and district heating (minus 1.2 percent) became cheaper.

With the simmering Iran war, prices for premium E10 gasoline and diesel recently rose to record levels. The federal government is now easing the burden on drivers with a new fuel discount that will reduce taxes on fuel by around 17 cents per liter from October until the end of the year.

Food is hardly more expensive

In contrast to energy, food prices barely rose in September compared to the same month last year, increasing by 0.7 percent, the statisticians explained. Cooking fats and oils became particularly more expensive (minus 15.9 percent), including butter, which fell by 27.4 percent. Dairy products were 4.9 percent cheaper than in September 2025, while vegetables were 9.0 percent more expensive.

Prices for services excluding rents rose by an average of 3.2 percent compared to September 2025. Social institutions in particular became more expensive, increasing by 8.5 percent. Flight tickets, package tours and visits to restaurants were also significantly more expensive than a year before.