Inflation United Kingdom 1981
Average inflation: 11.9%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 11.9%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 13.0%. The lowest inflation was in July at 10.9%.
- Highest month
- January: 13.0%
- Lowest month
- July: 10.9%
- Difference
- 2.1 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 8.7%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 8.7%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 8.7%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 8.7%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.6% lower than the 5-year average of 13.5%.
- 5-year average
- 13.5%
- 10-year average
- 14.1%
- All-time high (1975)
- 24.1%
- All-time low (1963)
- 2%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1980, inflation has fallen by +6.2 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -6.2 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- May: -10.2 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 9.9% 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 €111.90 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1981
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1980 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.0% | -5.4 |
| February | 12.5% | -6.6 |
| March | 12.6% | -7.2 |
| April | 12.0% | -9.8 |
| May | 11.7% | -10.2 |
| June | 11.3% | -9.7 |
| July | 10.9% | -6.0 |
| August | 11.5% | -4.8 |
| September | 11.4% | -4.5 |
| October | 11.7% | -3.7 |
| November | 12.0% | -3.3 |
| December | 12.0% | -3.1 |
| Average | 11.9% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.