Romania Interest Rate

The National Bank of Romania left its benchmark interest rate at 6.5% during its monetary board meeting on April 7, 2025, as expected, marking the fifth consecutive hold. The Lombard rate was kept at 7.50%, the deposit rate at 5.50%, and reserve requirement ratios for leu and foreign currency liabilities remained unchanged. Policymakers cited uncertainties surrounding energy and food prices, global trade policies, and fiscal measures, along with the need for budget consolidation. The central bank emphasized that its decision aims to ensure medium-term price stability and support sustainable economic growth. Romania's inflation rose slightly to 5.02% in February 2025, up from 4.95% in January. Inflation is expected to fluctuate in the first half of 2025, declining in March before rising in Q2 due to base effects from last year’s energy and food price changes.