Vietnam inflation hits 4.52% in nine months as housing and fuel costs climb

Vietnam's consumer price index (CPI) rose 4.52% in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Office. The figures give a snapshot of what has driven living costs this year.

What pushed prices up

• Housing, electricity, water and fuel costs rose 6.68% year on year.
• Transport prices rose 6.06%, and fuel alone rose 10.89%.
• Food and catering services rose 4.72%.
• Pork prices rose 4.46%, which the report attributes to constrained supply during holiday and festival periods.

The monthly picture

In September, CPI rose 0.62% from August and 5.08% from a year earlier. According to the report, this was the highest monthly rate recorded during the period. Annual growth peaked at 5.6% in May before easing.

Core inflation stood at 4.45% year on year, below the headline figure. The statistics office said this reflects volatility in fuel and food prices.

Official outlook

The office's director, Nguyen Thi Huong, said inflationary pressures from input costs, energy prices and other risks remain significant and will be a challenge in the months ahead.

What it means for residents

The national figures show that housing-related costs and fuel were among the larger contributors to price growth this year. For foreign residents, these are categories that feature heavily in a monthly budget. The report covers national averages and does not give separate figures for Ho Chi Minh City or for rents paid by expats, so individual experience may differ. The statistics office also noted that pressure from energy prices and input costs remains a risk.

Source: Vietnam News.