Inflation Canada 1972
Average inflation: 5.0%
Inflation in 1972
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
Historical Context
Inflation is 1.1 percentage points 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
- 3.3%
- All-time high (1972)
- 5%
- All-time low (1953)
- -1%
Trend
Over the period 1970-1972, inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1971, inflation has risen by 2.3 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +2.3 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- January: +3.9 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 3.0 percentage points 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 CA$100 this year will cost approximately CA$105 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1972
Inflation by category
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.