Inflation Ireland 2002
Average inflation: 4.6%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 4.6%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 5.0%. The lowest inflation was in July at 4.1%.
- Highest month
- December: 5.0%
- Lowest month
- July: 4.1%
- Difference
- 0.9 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Education with an average of 10.3%. The lowest price increase was in Clothing and footwear with an average of -4.3%.
- Highest increase
- Education: 10.3%
- Lowest increase
- Clothing and footwear: -4.3%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 5.0%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (4.6% in 2002).
- 5-year average
- 5%
- 10-year average
- 5%
- All-time high (2000)
- 5.6%
- All-time low (2002)
- 4.6%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2001, the difference is minimal (-0.3 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.3 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: -1.0 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 2.6% 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 €104.60 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2002
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4.9% | -0.3 |
| February | 4.6% | -0.7 |
| March | 4.7% | -0.7 |
| April | 4.8% | -0.8 |
| May | 4.8% | -0.5 |
| June | 4.3% | -1.0 |
| July | 4.1% | -0.7 |
| August | 4.4% | -0.1 |
| September | 4.6% | 0.0 |
| October | 4.7% | +0.4 |
| November | 4.7% | +0.9 |
| December | 5.0% | +0.7 |
| Average | 4.6% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.