UK inflation rose to 3.5% in September as fuel prices drove increase
The Consumer Prices Index rate was up from 3.1% in August and stood above the Bank of England’s 2% target.
UK CPI inflation reached 3.5% in the year to September 2026, rising from 3.1% in August. The ONS chief economist identified higher fuel prices as the main driver, with airfares and some recreation costs also adding upward pressure.
The annual CPI rate increased in September and remained above the Bank of England’s target.
September inflation increased
UK inflation, measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), was 3.5% in the 12 months to September 2026, up from 3.1% in August. The September rate was the highest in almost a year and exceeded the 3.4% forecast reported before the figures were released.
The rate remained above the Bank of England’s 2% target. CPI measures changes in the prices of a basket of goods and services over time.
Fuel was the main upward pressure
Grant Fitzner, the Office for National Statistics’ chief economist, said higher fuel prices were again the main driver of the rise. He also identified airfares, computer games and live events as upward pressures, while slower price rises for hotel stays partly offset them.
The figures reported in the source material also show that CPIH, which includes owner-occupiers’ housing costs, rose to 3.6% in September from 3.3% in August. Retail Prices Index inflation increased to 3.9% from 3.4%.
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Further reading
Selected background resources to explain the context and concepts behind this story.
Understand the Bank of England's mandate to maintain price stability and how it sets the Bank Rate.
What does the Bank of England do?
The article mentions the Bank of England's 2% inflation target; this official profile explains the central bank's core functions and its role in influencing the cost of savings and loans, providing essential context for why the target exists.
Identify the Office for National Statistics as the authoritative source for UK economic data and understand its independence.
About us - Office for National Statistics - GOV.UK
The ONS is the body that produced the inflation figures cited in the news; this page clarifies its status as the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics, helping readers trust the data's provenance.
Define inflation and understand its significance as a key economic indicator in the UK.
Economic Indicators - Research Paper 97/125
This parliamentary research briefing provides a foundational definition of inflation and explains its importance in measuring economic performance, offering a conceptual framework for interpreting the 3.5% figure.
Analyze the historical trends and external factors influencing UK road fuel prices.
Petrol and diesel prices - House of Commons Library
Since fuel prices are identified as the main driver of the inflation rise, this House of Commons Library briefing offers a detailed look at the methodology and historical context of fuel price data, explaining how such costs impact the broader economy.
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