Inflation United Kingdom 1988
Average inflation: 4.1%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 4.1%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 5.1%. The lowest inflation was in February at 3.1%.
- Highest month
- December: 5.1%
- Lowest month
- February: 3.1%
- Difference
- 2.0 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 3.4%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 3.4%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 3.4%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 3.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 4.6%.
- 5-year average
- 4.6%
- 10-year average
- 7.9%
- All-time high (1975)
- 24.1%
- All-time low (1986)
- 3.4%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1987, the difference is minimal (-0.1 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.1 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- December: +1.4 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 2.1% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €104.10 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1988
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1987 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.3% | -0.7 |
| February | 3.1% | -0.8 |
| March | 3.3% | -0.7 |
| April | 3.4% | -0.8 |
| May | 3.8% | -0.4 |
| June | 4.2% | 0.0 |
| July | 4.3% | -0.1 |
| August | 4.6% | +0.2 |
| September | 4.8% | +0.6 |
| October | 4.9% | +0.4 |
| November | 5.0% | +0.9 |
| December | 5.1% | +1.4 |
| Average | 4.1% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.