The inflation rate in Austria edged up by 0.9 percentage points to reach 3.1% in March, with energy costs rising 6.1% compared to the same period last year.

According to Statistics Austria, the increase in inflation was mainly driven by higher prices for fuel and heating oil.

Recent data also indicates that the services sector remains a key contributor to inflationary pressure in Austria, with prices rising from 4.0% in February to 4.5% in March.

In addition, prices for food, tobacco, and beverages went up by 2.4% over the month, as noted by Manuela Lenk, Director of Statistics Austria.

Furthermore, in terms of labour market trends in March, official figures show that the unemployment rate in Austria edged up by 0.1 percentage points to 7.5% las month, the lowest level recorded in four months.

The total number of unemployed individuals rose by 6,380 compared to the previous year, reaching 322,727.

Within this figure, the unemployment rate for women increased by 0.3 percentage points to 7.1%, with 143,503 women out of work.

In contrast, the unemployment rate for men and other genders remained steady at 7.9%, accounting for 179,224 individuals.

Meanwhile, dependent employment showed little change, standing at 3,952,000, an increase of just 4,000 compared to March 2025.

Indeed, the number of women in dependent employment rose by 12,000 to 1,868,000, while employment among men and other genders declined by 8,000 to 2,084,000.

When including participants in training programs, the total number of unemployed individuals and those in training reached 400,561, an increase of 3,488 compared to the previous year.