Inflation United Kingdom 2017

Average inflation: 2.6%

Current Inflation

Inflation is normal at 2.6%, around the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in September at 2.8%. The lowest inflation was in January at 1.9%.

Highest month
September: 2.8%
Lowest month
January: 1.9%
Difference
0.9 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 4.4%. The lowest price increase was in Miscellaneous goods and services with an average of 1.4%.

Highest increase
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 4.4%
Lowest increase
Miscellaneous goods and services: 1.4%

Historical Context

Current inflation is 1.0% higher than the 5-year average of 1.6%.

5-year average
1.6%
10-year average
2.2%
All-time high (2011)
3.8%
All-time low (2015)
0.4%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2016, inflation has risen by +1.6 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+1.6 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
May: +2.0 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 0.6% 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 €102.60 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2017

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
2.3%
-0.3vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
4.4%
+1.8vs avg.
More details →
Clothing and footwear
2.5%
-0.1vs avg.
More details →
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
2.1%
-0.5vs avg.
More details →
Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
2.6%
-0.0vs avg.
More details →
Health
2.5%
-0.1vs avg.
More details →
Transport
4.4%
+1.8vs avg.
More details →
Communication
1.8%
-0.8vs avg.
More details →
Recreation and culture
2.0%
-0.6vs avg.
More details →
Education
3.8%
+1.2vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
3.1%
+0.5vs avg.
More details →
Miscellaneous goods and services
1.4%
-1.2vs avg.
More details →

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

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2016
January 1.9% +1.3
February 2.3% +1.7
March 2.3% +1.5
April 2.6% +1.9
May 2.7% +2.0
June 2.6% +1.8
July 2.6% +1.7
August 2.7% +1.7
September 2.8% +1.5
October 2.8% +1.5
November 2.8% +1.3
December 2.7% +0.9
Average 2.6%

Data source

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

See also