Inflation Iceland 1989

Average inflation: 20.7%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 20.7%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in December at 25.2%. The lowest inflation was in August at 17.6%.

Highest month
December: 25.2%
Lowest month
August: 17.6%
Difference
7.6 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 19.0%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 19.0%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 19.0%
Lowest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 19.0%

Historical Context

Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 20.7%. This approaches the highest level since records began (20.7% in 1989).

5-year average
20.7%
10-year average
20.7%
All-time high (1989)
20.7%
All-time low (1989)
20.7%

Trend

ECB Target

Inflation is 18.7% 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 €120.70 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1989

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
19.0%
-1.7vs avg.
More details →

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

Month overview

Month Inflation
January 18.3%
February 19.0%
March 21.2%
April 22.0%
May 22.3%
June 21.8%
July 18.5%
August 17.6%
September 19.2%
October 21.1%
November 22.8%
December 25.2%
Average 20.7%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.

See also