Inflation nears two-year low as December CPI falls to 2.1%

Caused by falling oil price

Laura Dew
clock • 2 min read

UK inflation fell from 2.3% to 2.1% in December, approaching its lowest rate for two years, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell to 2.1% in December as a result of downward pressure from petrol prices and air fares. This is the lowest figure since January 2017, when inflation was 1.8%.  Falling crude oil prices led to petrol prices reducing by 6.4 pence per litre between November and December 2018, compared with a rise of 0.8 pence per litre between November and December 2017. The price of petrol at the pump, in December 2018, was the lowest since April 2018. Falling oil price causes CPI inflation to drop to 2.3% in November This was somewhat offset by upward contributions...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Five MPC members voted to hold rates

Michael Nelson
clock 06 November 2025 • 3 min read
Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

The current outlook for US tariffs is complex and their full impact on growth remains to be seen. Columbia Threadneedle Investments explores what advisers need to know, key events to keep top of mind and how to navigate the uncertainty.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 23 October 2025 • 5 min read
IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

Think tank urges chancellor to avoid 'limping from one forecast to the next'

Linus Uhlig
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read