In February 2026, producer prices for commercial goods were 3.3 percent lower than in February 2025, and prices fell 0.5 percent compared with the previous month, Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) reported on Friday. The key driver of the year‑on‑year decline was lower energy prices – a trend that had been noticeable even before the outbreak of war in the Middle East. While consumer goods were cheaper than a year earlier, investment goods, durable goods, and intermediate goods were more expensive.
“Energy” prices fell 12.5 percent from February 2025, and were 1.8 percent lower than in January 2026. Gas prices were the most affected, dropping 14.3 percent year‑on‑year, and electricity was 13.4 percent cheaper, whereas district heating only eased slightly at 0.5 percent.
“Mineral oil products” were 7.0 percent cheaper than a year earlier but 1.1 percent higher than in January 2026. Light heating oil cost 6.4 percent less than in February 2025 but 1.9 percent more than in January. Fuels were 1.6 percent higher than a year earlier and 0.9 percent higher than in January.
“Investment goods” increased by 1.7 percent year‑on‑year – a 0.2 percent gain over January. Machines were 1.7 percent higher; passenger cars and automotive parts were 1.2 percent higher.
“Durable consumer goods” were 2.0 percent more expensive than a year earlier but 0.1 percent higher than in January. Consumer goods produced and sold in Germany, however, were 0.6 percent cheaper than a year earlier and 0.3 percent lower than in January. Food prices were 1.9 percent lower overall; butter dropped 42.8 percent, pork 12.5 percent, while beef rose 19.9 percent and coffee climbed 16.1 percent.
“Intermediate goods” were 1.1 percent higher than a year earlier and 0.3 percent higher than in January. Metals drove most of the rise, with a 6.5 percent increase overall. Precious metals surged 66.8 percent, copper and its semi‑finished products rose 13.8 percent, whereas raw iron, steel and ferroalloys were 1.9 percent lower, with reinforced steel down 1.4 percent. Wood and cork goods were 6.4 percent higher, needle‑cut timber up 12.8 percent and flat‑cut timber up 2.6 percent; pellets, briquettes and logs jumped 34.9 percent year‑on‑year and 4.2 percent over January.
“Glass and glass goods” rose 4.3 percent year‑on‑year. Refined flat glass was 7.1 percent higher, while hollow glass fell 1.9 percent compared with February 2025.
“Chemicals and related products” saw a 3.0 percent drop year‑on‑year, although fertilizer prices rose 4.2 percent. Paper, cardboard and their derivatives were 2.3 percent cheaper. Animal feed for livestock fell 8.1 percent, and wheat flour dropped 5.6 percent relative to February 2025.