Inflation Italy 2008
Average inflation: 3.4%
Inflation in 2008
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
Inflation is 1.1 percentage points 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
Over the period 2006-2008, inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2007, inflation has risen by 1.6 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- July: +2.5 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 1.4 percentage points 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
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: 13/01/2026.