Inflation Canada 1972

Average inflation: 5.0%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 5.0%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in September at 5.7%. The lowest inflation was in June at 4.3%.

Highest month
September: 5.7%
Lowest month
June: 4.3%
Difference
1.4 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Category Insights

The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 7.7%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 7.7%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 7.7%
Lowest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 7.7%

Historical Context

Current inflation is 1.1% higher than the 5-year average of 3.9%. This approaches the highest level since records began (5.0% in 1972).

5-year average
3.9%
10-year average
3.9%
All-time high (1972)
5%
All-time low (1971)
2.7%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1971, inflation has risen by +2.3 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+2.3 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
January: +3.9 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 3.0% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.

Purchasing Power

At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €105.00 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1972

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
7.7%
+2.7vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 1971
January 4.9% +3.9
February 4.9% +3.4
March 5.4% +3.9
April 4.8% +2.8
May 4.8% +2.8
June 4.3% +1.8
July 4.8% +2.4
August 4.7% +1.3
September 5.7% +2.3
October 5.2% +1.3
November 5.2% +1.3
December 5.2% +0.3
Average 5.0%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.

See also