Inflation France 1997
Average inflation: 1.2%
Inflation in 1997
Inflation is low at 1.2%, below the ECB target of 2%.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 1.8%. The lowest inflation was in April at 0.9%.
- Highest month
- January: 1.8%
- Lowest month
- April: 0.9%
- Difference
- 0.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics with an average of 4.7%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of -2.0%.
- Highest increase
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 4.7%
- Lowest increase
- Communication: -2.0%
Historical Context
Inflation is 0.6 percentage points lower than the 5-year average of 1.8%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (1.2% in 1997).
- 5-year average
- 1.8%
- 10-year average
- 2.4%
- All-time high (1980)
- 13.5%
- All-time low (1997)
- 1.2%
Trend
Over the period 1995-1997, inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1996, inflation has fallen by 0.8 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.8 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- April: -1.5 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 0.8 percentage points below the ECB target of 2.0%. Too low inflation may indicate economic weakness.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power gradually decreases. The impact on daily expenses is relatively limited.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €101.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1997
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1996 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1.8% | -0.1 |
| February | 1.6% | -0.4 |
| March | 1.0% | -1.4 |
| April | 0.9% | -1.5 |
| May | 0.9% | -1.5 |
| June | 1.0% | -1.3 |
| July | 1.0% | -1.3 |
| August | 1.5% | -0.1 |
| September | 1.4% | -0.2 |
| October | 1.0% | -0.7 |
| November | 1.3% | -0.2 |
| December | 1.1% | -0.6 |
| Average | 1.2% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.