Economy
AI
Estonia's Inflation Data Release Halted by Methodology Overhaul
Statistics Estonia has indefinitely postponed the release of its January consumer price index data after a second delay, citing a complex systems overhaul that leaves it the only Eurozone country without an early inflation estimate.
- —Statistics Estonia has announced a further delay in the release of the January consumer price index (CPI) data, originally scheduled for February 7 and then February 9, 2026.
- —The agency is implementing a new methodology for CPI calculation, which includes updated classifications, changes related to electricity prices and food product discounts, and the application of 2026 consumption weights.
- —Director General Urmet Lee cited the complexity of compiling the first CPI of the year with new methodologies, overhauling the entire production and automation process, and the need for validation of all components as reasons for the delay.
- —A press conference intended to introduce the 2026 CPI updates has also been postponed.
- —Estonia was the only Eurozone country not to release an express inflation estimate for January at the beginning of February.
Recap
The repeated postponement of Estonia's key inflation data points to a significant failure in its statistical agency's system overhaul. While framed as a quality control measure, the indefinite delay and Estonia's status as a Eurozone outlier create an information vacuum, undermining economic analysis and signaling deeper-than-admitted technical challenges.