Figures published today (Thursday, August 13) show that average prices decreased for butter, milk and steak in July 2026.

The latest report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has revealed details of the latest national average prices for staple items.

The national average price for 2L of full fat milk was down 9c in the year to July, while a pound of butter fell by 55c and the average price of Irish cheddar decreased by 9c/kg.

The national average price of 1kg of sirloin steak fell by 5c in the year, while the average price for 2.5kg of potatoes was down by 9c.

The national average price for an 800g white sliced pan of bread was unchanged in the year to July 2026, while the same size brown sliced pan decreased by 2c in the year.

CSO senior statistician, Edel Flannery said the national average price for a litre of diesel in July 2026 was €1.76, an increase of 6c on the same time last year.

Petrol prices increased by 5c to €1.77 a litre.

"It should be noted that July prices were collected in mid-July and may not reflect more recent increases in the cost of diesel, petrol and home heating oil resulting from the ongoing situation in the Middle East," Flannery added.

Consumer price index

The CSO also today published the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July 2026.

The CPI rose by 3.4% between July 2025 and July 2026. 

This 3.4% increase was the same level of year-on-year inflation that was recorded in June 2026.

Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the CPI grew by 3.2% in the 12 months to July 2026.

Consumer prices rose by 0.1% in the month between June 2026 and July 2026.