Inflation United Kingdom 1980
Average inflation: 18.1%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 18.1%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in May at 21.9%. The lowest inflation was in December at 15.1%.
- Highest month
- May: 21.9%
- Lowest month
- December: 15.1%
- Difference
- 6.8 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 13.6%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 13.6%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 13.6%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 13.6%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 3.6% higher than the 5-year average of 14.5%.
- 5-year average
- 14.5%
- 10-year average
- 13.8%
- All-time high (1975)
- 24.1%
- All-time low (1963)
- 2%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1979, inflation has risen by +4.8 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +4.8 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- April: +11.7 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 16.1% 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 €118.10 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1980
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1979 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18.4% | +9.1 |
| February | 19.1% | +9.5 |
| March | 19.8% | +10.0 |
| April | 21.8% | +11.7 |
| May | 21.9% | +11.6 |
| June | 21.0% | +9.6 |
| July | 16.9% | +1.3 |
| August | 16.3% | +0.5 |
| September | 15.9% | -0.6 |
| October | 15.4% | -1.8 |
| November | 15.3% | -2.1 |
| December | 15.1% | -2.1 |
| Average | 18.1% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.