Inflation United Kingdom 1972
Average inflation: 7.1%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 7.1%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 8.2%. The lowest inflation was in July at 5.8%.
- Highest month
- January: 8.2%
- Lowest month
- July: 5.8%
- Difference
- 2.4 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 9.0%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 9.0%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 9.0%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 9.0%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 6.6%.
- 5-year average
- 6.6%
- 10-year average
- 5%
- All-time high (1971)
- 9.4%
- All-time low (1959)
- 0.6%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1971, the difference is minimal (-2.3 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -2.3 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- July: -4.3 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 5.1% 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 €107.10 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1972
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1971 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8.2% | -0.3 |
| February | 8.1% | -0.4 |
| March | 7.6% | -1.2 |
| April | 6.3% | -3.1 |
| May | 6.1% | -3.7 |
| June | 6.1% | -4.2 |
| July | 5.8% | -4.3 |
| August | 6.6% | -3.7 |
| September | 7.0% | -2.9 |
| October | 7.9% | -1.5 |
| November | 7.6% | -1.6 |
| December | 7.7% | -1.3 |
| Average | 7.1% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.