Inflation European Union 2022
Average inflation: 9.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 9.2%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in October at 11.5%. The lowest inflation was in January at 5.6%.
- Highest month
- October: 11.5%
- Lowest month
- January: 5.6%
- Difference
- 5.9 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 11.9%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 11.9%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.9%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.9%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 6.0% higher than the 5-year average of 3.2%. This approaches the highest level since records began (9.2% in 2022).
- 5-year average
- 3.2%
- 10-year average
- 2%
- All-time high (2022)
- 9.2%
- All-time low (2015)
- 0.1%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2021, inflation has risen by +6.3 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +6.3 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: +7.4 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 7.2% 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 €109.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2022
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5.6% | +4.4 |
| February | 6.2% | +4.9 |
| March | 7.8% | +6.1 |
| April | 8.1% | +6.1 |
| May | 8.8% | +6.5 |
| June | 9.6% | +7.4 |
| July | 9.8% | +7.3 |
| August | 10.1% | +6.9 |
| September | 10.9% | +7.3 |
| October | 11.5% | +7.1 |
| November | 11.1% | +5.9 |
| December | 10.4% | +5.1 |
| Average | 9.2% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.