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

UK inflation rises to 3.8% in July

UK inflation rises to 3.8% in July

Core CPI also up to 3.8%

Sorin Dojan
clock 20 August 2025 • 2 min read
Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Lowest level in two and a half years

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 August 2025 • 4 min read
Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Government not on track to meet ‘stability rule’

Sorin Dojan
clock 06 August 2025 • 1 min read