Inflation European Union 2002
Average inflation: 2.8%
Current Inflation
Inflation is normal at 2.8%, around the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 3.4%. The lowest inflation was in June at 2.4%.
- Highest month
- January: 3.4%
- Lowest month
- June: 2.4%
- Difference
- 1.0 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 3.2%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 3.2%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 3.2%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 3.2%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 0.7% lower than the 5-year average of 3.5%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (2.8% in 2002).
- 5-year average
- 3.5%
- 10-year average
- 3.5%
- All-time high (2000)
- 4%
- All-time low (2002)
- 2.8%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 2001, inflation has fallen by +0.8 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.8 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- May: -1.8 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 0.8% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €102.80 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2002
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.4% | -0.1 |
| February | 3.3% | -0.2 |
| March | 3.2% | -0.4 |
| April | 3.0% | -1.0 |
| May | 2.6% | -1.8 |
| June | 2.4% | -1.7 |
| July | 2.5% | -1.2 |
| August | 2.5% | -1.0 |
| September | 2.5% | -0.8 |
| October | 2.6% | -0.6 |
| November | 2.5% | -0.5 |
| December | 2.5% | -0.5 |
| Average | 2.8% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.