The NBU raises its key policy rate to 16%
On 17 September 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine raised its key policy rate from 15.5% to 16%. The new rate applies from 18 September.
Why
The NBU explains the decision by persistent fundamental price pressure, second-round effects of supply shocks and growing inflation risks. The aim is to keep hryvnia assets attractive and the foreign exchange market stable. Consumer inflation in August was 8.1% year on year.
The regulator expects inflation to slow in 2027 and return to the 5% target. The next meeting on the key policy rate is on 29 October 2026.
What it means for the car market
A higher key policy rate usually makes bank lending more expensive, including car loans. Some buyers postpone a purchase or look for other ways to pay. For an investor, it is a benchmark: returns on deposits and government bonds follow the rate, and any other investment is worth comparing against it.
Source: NBU decision of 17.09.2026, as reported by Debet-Kredyt.
