Georgia’s Annual Inflation at 4.8% in January 2026

2026-02-03 - 12:57

Georgia’s annual inflation rate stood at 4.8% in January, while consumer prices declined by 1.2% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (Geostat) on February 3. Annual inflation was primarily driven by rising prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages (up 10.6%), health services (up 8.3%), restaurants and hotels (up 8.1%), miscellaneous goods and services (up 7.4%), and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (up 3.5%). The prices declined in communication (down 4.6%), recreation and culture (down 2.5%), and clothing and footwear (down 1.8%). On a monthly basis, the biggest price drop was recorded in clothing and footwear (down 4.3%), while prices rose in food and non-alcoholic beverages (up 2.9%), miscellaneous goods and services (up 2.9%), and health (up 2.4%). Within the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, annual price increases were recorded for vegetables (12.5%), fruit and grapes (5.9%), milk, cheese and eggs (3.5%), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery (2.8%), coffee, tea and cocoa (2.6%), fish (1.8%), oils and fats (1.5%), meat (1.4%), and bread and cereals (0.2%). In contrast, prices for mineral waters, soft drinks, and fruit and vegetable juices declined by 0.5%. High grocery prices have long been among the key economic concerns for Georgian households. Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze first raised the issue publicly in December, suggesting that elevated prices could be linked to cartel-like coordination among retailers. The GD government launched a commission to examine the matter, and the State Security Service began investigating the price-formation process. The disputed parliament is also set to establish a temporary commission to study food, medicine, and fuel prices this week. The authorities expect prices to begin declining by April. Also Read: 26/01/2026 – Money Transfers to Georgia Rise 18% in December, EU and U.S. Remain Top Sources 08/01/2026 – Georgia’s Annual Inflation at 4% in December 2025