UK inflation rate rises to 3.5% in year to September, latest figures show
The UK inflation rate rose to 3.5% in the year leading up to September, driven primarily by soaring fuel, airfare, and consumer goods prices. The increase marks the third consecutive monthly rise and exceeded economist expectations, sparking political debate over the economy.
Why it matters
Rising inflation directly impacts household budgets and borrowing costs, influencing upcoming government budget decisions and political accountability in the UK.
The UK inflation rate was 3.5% in the year to September , driven by soaring petrol and diesel prices.
This latest 3.5% figure was slightly higher than economists expected, and marks the third successive increase in inflation rate.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) chief economist Grant Fitzner said fuel prices were the main driver, with diesel at its highest price since July 2022, but that the rising price of airfares, computer games and live events also contributed.
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