ELSTAT's material price index for the construction of new residential buildings rose 5.6% in September 2026 compared with September 2025, when the annual rise had been 2.2%. Compared with August, the index was up 0.5%. The largest annual increases were in diesel at 31.2%, electricity at 14.9%, bricks at 12.4% and copper pipes at 11.3%, while the fuel, electricity and water group rose 20.4%. Ready-mixed concrete was up 6.6%, cement 4.3% and steel reinforcing bars 4.0%.
What it means: The pace of material price rises has almost tripled within a year, and the main reason is energy. Diesel and electricity affect not only building sites but also the cost of producing and transporting almost every material, so their rise feeds gradually into bricks, concrete and metal products. The monthly rise in September, with diesel up 6.9% and electricity up 5.0% compared with August, shows the pressure was still active in the latest month. The figures are consistent with Eurostat data on EU fuel prices in September. For construction firms, contractors and material suppliers, this index is the latest official measurement and can be used to support price adjustments in bids and contracts, especially where prices were locked months ago. Businesses preparing bids for new projects should check supplier prices more often and set shorter validity periods for their offers. Owners planning renovations or energy upgrades should bear in mind that material costs today are noticeably higher than a year ago.
Notice: For information only. Not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell.
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