Inflation European Union 2006
Average inflation: 2.3%
Current Inflation
Inflation is normal at 2.3%, around the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in May at 2.6%. The lowest inflation was in October at 1.7%.
- Highest month
- May: 2.6%
- Lowest month
- October: 1.7%
- Difference
- 0.9 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 2.4%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 2.4%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.4%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 2.4%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (2.3% in 2006).
- 5-year average
- 2.4%
- 10-year average
- 2.8%
- All-time high (2000)
- 4%
- All-time low (2006)
- 2.3%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2005, the difference is minimal (+0.0 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.0 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- October: -0.9 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is close to the ECB target of 2.0%.
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 €102.30 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2006
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.5% | +0.4 |
| February | 2.5% | +0.2 |
| March | 2.3% | 0.0 |
| April | 2.5% | +0.2 |
| May | 2.6% | +0.5 |
| June | 2.6% | +0.4 |
| July | 2.5% | +0.2 |
| August | 2.4% | +0.1 |
| September | 2.0% | -0.7 |
| October | 1.7% | -0.9 |
| November | 2.0% | -0.4 |
| December | 2.1% | -0.3 |
| Average | 2.3% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.