Inflation United Kingdom 1996

Average inflation: 2.9%

Current Inflation

Inflation is normal at 2.9%, around the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in November at 3.1%. The lowest inflation was in July at 2.7%.

Highest month
November: 3.1%
Lowest month
July: 2.7%
Difference
0.4 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 4.6%. The lowest price increase was in Clothing and footwear with an average of -3.3%.

Highest increase
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 4.6%
Lowest increase
Clothing and footwear: -3.3%

Historical Context

Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 3.0%.

5-year average
3%
10-year average
4.5%
All-time high (1980)
18.1%
All-time low (1994)
2.2%

Trend

Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1995, the difference is minimal (+0.2 percentage point).

Change vs. previous year
+0.2 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
February: +0.7 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 0.9% 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 €102.90 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1996

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
3.1%
+0.2vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
4.6%
+1.7vs avg.
More details →
Clothing and footwear
-3.3%
-6.2vs avg.
More details →
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
4.0%
+1.1vs avg.
More details →
Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
1.8%
-1.1vs avg.
More details →
Health
4.2%
+1.3vs avg.
More details →
Transport
3.6%
+0.7vs avg.
More details →
Communication
-1.9%
-4.8vs avg.
More details →
Recreation and culture
1.5%
-1.4vs avg.
More details →
Education
4.2%
+1.3vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
3.4%
+0.5vs avg.
More details →
Miscellaneous goods and services
1.4%
-1.5vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 1995
January 2.9% +0.5
February 3.0% +0.7
March 3.0% +0.6
April 2.8% +0.5
May 2.8% +0.2
June 2.8% +0.1
July 2.7% -0.1
August 2.7% 0.0
September 2.7% -0.3
October 3.0% 0.0
November 3.1% +0.2
December 2.8% -0.3
Average 2.9%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 11/01/2026.

See also