Inflation Italy 2008

Average inflation: 3.4%

Current Inflation

Inflation is high at 3.4%, well above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in July at 4.1%. The lowest inflation was in December at 2.2%.

Highest month
July: 4.1%
Lowest month
December: 2.2%
Difference
1.9 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Category Insights

The highest price increase was in Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels with an average of 6.4%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of -4.1%.

Highest increase
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels: 6.4%
Lowest increase
Communication: -4.1%

Historical Context

Current inflation is 1.1% higher than the 5-year average of 2.3%. This approaches the highest level since records began (3.4% in 2008).

5-year average
2.3%
10-year average
2.4%
All-time high (2008)
3.4%
All-time low (2007)
1.8%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2007, inflation has risen by +1.6 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+1.6 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
July: +2.5 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 1.4% 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 €103.40 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2008

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
5.4%
+2.0vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
4.2%
+0.8vs avg.
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Clothing and footwear
1.7%
-1.7vs avg.
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Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
6.4%
+3.0vs avg.
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Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
3.1%
-0.3vs avg.
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Health
0.1%
-3.3vs avg.
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Transport
5.3%
+1.9vs avg.
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Communication
-4.1%
-7.5vs avg.
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Recreation and culture
0.8%
-2.6vs avg.
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Education
2.3%
-1.1vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
2.5%
-0.9vs avg.
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Miscellaneous goods and services
3.0%
-0.4vs avg.
More details →

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

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2007
January 3.0% +1.3
February 2.9% +1.1
March 3.3% +1.6
April 3.3% +1.8
May 3.6% +2.1
June 3.8% +2.1
July 4.1% +2.5
August 4.1% +2.5
September 3.8% +2.1
October 3.5% +1.4
November 2.7% +0.3
December 2.2% -0.4
Average 3.4%

Data source

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

See also