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Polish inflation to stay on target in 2026, central bank chief says

16.01.2026 23:30
Poland’s inflation is expected to remain within the central bank’s target range throughout 2026, central bank chief Adam Glapiński has said, citing the latest forecasts.
Polish central bank chief Adam Glapiński.
Polish central bank chief Adam Glapiński.Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Glapiński said there were signs that the decline in inflation was durable.

The National Bank of Poland’s inflation target is 2.5 percent, plus or minus 1 percentage point.

"The outlook for inflation in the coming quarters and macroeconomic conditions is relatively favourable," Glapiński said. "We do not see weak points."

He said domestic price pressures, particularly in the services sector, were easing after a prolonged period of elevated inflation.

"This is something we have been waiting forfor a long time," he said.

Glapiński attributed the trend in part to slower wage growth, which he said has recently averaged about 7 percent and is expected to continue moderating unless unforeseen factors emerge.

He said disinflationary pressures were also coming from abroad, citing low global prices for energy and food amid sluggish economic growth.

Another factor, he said, was rising imports of low-cost goods from China.

"From the point of view of inflation, in the short and medium term, this is a positive factor," Glapiński said, adding that it could weigh on European production over the longer term.

Central bank plans further gold purchases

Glapiński also said he would ask the central bank’s governing board to approve a plan to increase Poland’s gold reserves to 700 tonnes.

The National Bank of Poland currently holds about 550 tonnes of gold, worth roughly USD 76.5 billion (EUR 65.9 billion).

In 2025, the NBP purchased more than 100 tonnes of gold, making it the largest net buyer among central banks last year, Glapiński said.

He said the bank would continue to build its gold reserves "to ensure Poland’s financial security in these volatile times."

(pm/gs)

Source: PAP