Inflation Canada 1978
Average inflation: 9.0%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 9.0%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in August at 9.7%. The lowest inflation was in April at 8.5%.
- Highest month
- August: 9.7%
- Lowest month
- April: 8.5%
- Difference
- 1.2 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 17.4%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 17.4%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 17.4%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 17.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 9.3%.
- 5-year average
- 9.3%
- 10-year average
- 7%
- All-time high (1974)
- 11%
- All-time low (1961)
- 1%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1977, inflation has risen by +1.0 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.0 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- February: +3.1 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 7.0% 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 €109.00 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1978
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1977 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9.0% | +2.7 |
| February | 9.3% | +3.1 |
| March | 8.8% | +1.6 |
| April | 8.5% | +1.0 |
| May | 8.7% | +0.6 |
| June | 9.3% | +1.6 |
| July | 9.4% | +1.1 |
| August | 9.7% | +1.4 |
| September | 8.5% | -0.1 |
| October | 9.0% | +0.2 |
| November | 8.9% | -0.2 |
| December | 8.6% | -0.8 |
| Average | 9.0% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.