The National Bank of Romania held its policy rate at 6.5% at its October 2026 meeting, unchanged since August 2024, but implied that uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook could trigger inflationary pressures. The central bank noted that the recent disinflationary trend in the Romanian economy has persisted, even as the removal of electricity price caps and VAT changes on selected goods triggered base effects. Meanwhile, the surge in oil and gas prices due to the war in the Middle East remained a primary source of inflation risk. Still, evidence of slower economic activity—particularly in household consumption and exports from major industries—prevented a clear hawkish tilt in policy messaging. On top of that, the latest data reflected a slight drop in employment levels. source: National Bank of Romania

The benchmark interest rate in Romania was last recorded at 6.50 percent. Interest Rate in Romania averaged 5.20 percent from 2005 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 12.50 percent in May of 2005 and a record low of 1.25 percent in January of 2021. This page provides the latest reported value for - Romania Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. Romania Interest Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on October of 2026.

The benchmark interest rate in Romania was last recorded at 6.50 percent. Interest Rate in Romania is expected to be 6.50 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Romania Interest Rate is projected to trend around 5.25 percent in 2027 and 4.75 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-07-08 12:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5% 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%
2026-08-10 12:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5% 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%
2026-10-08 12:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5% 6.5% 6.5% 6.5%
2026-11-12 01:00 PM Interest Rate Decision 6.5% 6.5%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Banks Balance Sheet 1038425.18 1024329.31 RON Million Aug 2026
Cash Reserve Ratio 5.00 5.00 percent Sep 2026
Central Bank Balance Sheet 423827.06 409212.95 RON Million Aug 2026
Deposit Interest Rate 5.50 5.50 percent Oct 2026
Foreign Exchange Reserves 60060.00 64865.00 EUR Million Sep 2026
Interest Rate 6.50 6.50 percent Oct 2026
Lending Rate 7.50 7.50 percent Oct 2026
Loans to Private Sector 228854.90 228023.60 RON Million Aug 2026
Money Supply M0 143173.70 142531.30 RON Million Aug 2026
Money Supply M1 497483.90 491961.10 RON Million Aug 2026
Money Supply M2 813336.90 809285.20 RON Million Aug 2026
Money Supply M3 813336.90 809285.20 RON Million Aug 2026


Romania Interest Rate
In Romania, interest rates decisions are taken by the Board of the National Bank of Romania (Banca Nationala a Romaniei). The official interest rate is the Policy Rate.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
6.50 6.50 12.50 1.25 2005 - 2026 percent Daily

News Stream
Romania Holds Interest Rate in October
The National Bank of Romania held its policy rate at 6.5% at its October 2026 meeting, unchanged since August 2024, but implied that uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook could trigger inflationary pressures. The central bank noted that the recent disinflationary trend in the Romanian economy has persisted, even as the removal of electricity price caps and VAT changes on selected goods triggered base effects. Meanwhile, the surge in oil and gas prices due to the war in the Middle East remained a primary source of inflation risk. Still, evidence of slower economic activity—particularly in household consumption and exports from major industries—prevented a clear hawkish tilt in policy messaging. On top of that, the latest data reflected a slight drop in employment levels.
2026-10-08
Romania Holds Interest Rate as Expected
The National Bank of Romania kept its key policy rate unchanged at 6.5% in August 2026, as widely expected. Annual inflation slowed to 10.42% in June, in line with the central bank’s forecast, mainly due to a sharp decline in LFO and fuel prices, partly offset by higher natural gas and electricity costs. Meanwhile, economic activity contracted 1.2% in Q1, following 0.2% growth in the previous quarter, reflecting weaker household spending and a negative contribution from changes in inventories. The NBR expects activity to recover slightly in Q2 and Q3, amid mixed developments across domestic demand components and economic sectors. Inflation is projected to fall sharply to 6.1% in December following the removal of the electricity price cap and increases in VAT and excise duties. After some volatility in Q4 2026, inflation is expected to resume a gradual decline to 3.4% by end-2027, returning to the target range of 1.5% to 3.5%.
2026-08-10
Romania Holds Policy Rate at 6.5%
The National Bank of Romania kept its key policy rate unchanged at 6.5% in June 2026, as expected, citing persistent uncertainties and geopolitical risks. Headline inflation rose to 10.85% in May, reaching its highest level since April 2023, driven by higher natural gas and fuel prices, as well as increased rents for state-owned housing. Economic activity is estimated to have contracted 1.2% in Q1 2026, following 0.2% growth in Q4 2025, as household consumption weakened and investment growth slowed. Looking ahead, the outlook remains dependent on Middle East developments, although economic activity is expected to recover slightly in Q2 amid changes in aggregate demand and key sectors. Inflation is projected to ease significantly in Q3 2026 following the removal of the electricity price cap. Future policy decisions will focus on maintaining price stability and supporting sustainable economic growth.
2026-07-08