Armenia sees broad-based rise in service prices in January

Service prices in Armenia continued to climb at the start of 2026, adding pressure to household budgets as transport, leisure and personal services recorded some of the sharpest increases, official statistics showed.

Overall service tariffs rose 2.6% year on year in January, compared with January 2025. On a monthly basis, prices were up 0.6% from December, masking much steeper increases in several key segments.

Price growth was observed across almost all surveyed cities. Etchmiadzin recorded the highest monthly increase, while prices in Yerevan rose by 0.7%. In other cities, monthly increases ranged from 0.2% to 1.2%.

Transport emerged as the main driver of service inflation. Transport service prices surged 18.4% year on year, the highest increase across all categories, while transport insurance costs rose 12.3%. The data indicate higher mobility costs for both public transport users and private vehicle owners.

Healthcare services also became more expensive, with prices up 2.8% annually. Dental services rose 4.8%, hospital services 2.9% and auxiliary medical services 2.8%, while consultation fees increased by 1.5%.

Leisure and personal services posted notable gains as well. Prices for organised holiday packages jumped 14.9%, reflecting strong domestic tourism demand and rising operating costs. Hotel tariffs increased 4.4%, while hairdressing and personal care services rose by an average of 5.3%.

The January data suggest that inflationary pressure in Armenia’s services sector remains entrenched, with transport and leisure costs bearing the heaviest burden, while medical and personal services continue to see steady, moderate price growth. No clear signs of price stabilisation have yet emerged.