In Belgium

The CPI is the reference indicator for measuring inflation. It is calculated and published monthly by Statbel (FPS Economy) based on a basket of over 500 products and services representative of Belgian household consumption.

The CPI serves as the basis for the health index, which excludes four categories (tobacco, alcohol, petrol, diesel). It is the health index — not the raw CPI — that is used for rent indexation.

For leases signed before 1 February 1994, the CPI remains the reference. After that date, the health index applies.

The CPI also feeds into the pivot index mechanism that triggers wage and social benefit adjustments.

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Good to know
The CPI and health index evolve in parallel but not identically. During sharp oil price rises, the CPI increases faster than the health index (which excludes petrol). This protects tenants against energy price spikes.

Practical example

In 2022, energy prices pushed the CPI up over 10%. The health index, excluding petrol and diesel, rose by “only” 8%. For tenants, this exclusion limited rent indexation to 8% instead of 10% — a significant saving on an 800 EUR rent (64 EUR vs 80 EUR monthly increase).