-- Switzerland's annual inflation rate rose for the second consecutive month in April 2026 and hit its highest level since December 2024 as tensions in the Middle East keep energy prices elevated.
The Swiss consumer price index climbed 0.6% year over year in April following a 0.3% rise in March, data from the country's Federal Statistical Office showed Tuesday. On a monthly basis, consumer prices edged up 0.3%, against March's 0.2% gain and the consensus estimate of a 0.4% rise.
Excluding volatile items such as fresh and seasonal products, energy, and fuel, annual inflation ticked down to 0.3% from 0.4%. Month over month, core inflation showed zero growth.
The FSO mainly attributed the month-over-month increase to rising prices for petrol, diesel and heating oil, as well as higher prices for air transport and international package holidays. On the other hand, prices for hotels and supplementary accommodation decreased during the month, along with prices for car rental and car sharing.
In its March monetary policy assessment, the Swiss National Bank (SNBN.SW) left its key rate unchanged at 0%, citing the "virtually unchanged" inflationary pressure over the medium term. The SNB, however, noted that the outlook for the country's economy has become "considerably more uncertain" as a result of the Middle East conflict.
"With the rise in energy prices due to the escalation in the Middle East, inflation is likely to increase more strongly in the coming quarters. As a result, the conditional inflation forecast in the short term is higher than in December [2025]. In the medium term, it is slightly lower due to the stronger Swiss franc," the central bank said at the time. "Given the conflict in the Middle East, the SNB's willingness to intervene in the foreign exchange market has increased. The SNB thereby counters a rapid and excessive appreciation of the Swiss franc, which would jeopardise price stability in Switzerland."
The Swiss central bank's next monetary policy assessment is set for June 18.