Austria in October with 4 Percent Inflation
Inflation in Austria remained consistently high in October. According to a quick estimate by Statistics Austria, the inflation rate was 4.0 percent, the same as in September. Compared to the previous month, the general price level rose by 0.4 percent. Thus, prices in Austria continue to rise significantly more than in other countries of the Eurozone, where inflation slowed to 2.1 percent in October.
Quick Estimate: October with 4 Percent Inflation
In Austria, the service sector was again the strongest price driver in October: Prices here increased by 4.6 percent year-on-year. Inflation in industrial goods slightly weakened - from 1.4 percent in September to 1.3 percent in October. Food, alcohol, and tobacco also became slightly more expensive than recently, rising by 3.9 percent, compared to 3.8 percent in September.
Energy prices rose particularly sharply, being 9.7 percent higher in October than a year ago. "Significant price increases were observed in electricity and gas year-on-year," explained Statistics Austria Director General Manuela Lenk. Thus, energy remains one of the main factors for the overall high inflation.
Core Inflation and HICP
The so-called core inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food prices, was 3.4 percent in October, down from 3.5 percent in the previous month. This indicator shows that domestic price development - such as in services and industrial goods - is only slowly losing momentum.
Compared to the previous year, the purchasing power of consumers remained under pressure. According to Statistics Austria, the harmonized consumer price index (HICP), which is comparable across the EU, also shows an increase of 4.0 percent compared to October 2024. Month-on-month, the HICP increased by 0.5 percent.
Detailed results for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October will be published by Statistics Austria on November 19, 2025.
ÖGB for Anti-Inflation Commission
For ÖGB Federal Managing Director Helene Schuberth, it is "alarming how many people increasingly do not know how to meet their basic needs. This is socially unacceptable," she said in a response. The ÖGB calls for an Anti-Inflation Commission to consistently monitor price developments and take action against abusive price increases.
Jakob Schwarz, budget spokesperson for the Greens, criticized the excess profits of the state energy suppliers, which he holds partly responsible for the sharp rise in energy prices. The Greens are calling for a network expansion fund for the expansion of power grids and rapid decisions on the pending energy laws.
FPÖ economic spokesperson Barbara Kolm sees the "main cause of inflation in an excessive state quota and a policy that nullifies market mechanisms through state interventions."
The EU delegations of the Austrian ruling parties NEOS, ÖVP, and SPÖ want to tackle inflation at the European level. In a request to the EU Commission, the parties demanded an end to the "Austria surcharge." This does not arise from higher production or transport costs, but due to territorial delivery restrictions in the EU, according to the parties. They called on the Commission for concrete measures to complete the internal market.
(APA/Red)
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