Policy

UK inflation rises by more than expected to 3.5% as war drives up fuel prices

TradeNews BD equities-FX-crypto note (2026-10-21): UK inflation climbed by more than expected in September to 3.5% after a surge in prices from the conflict in the Middle East that pushed the cost of diesel… Primary source: original at The Guardian (theguardian.com).

October 21, 2026 6:02 AM GMT · The Guardian

UK inflation rises by more than expected to 3.5% as war drives up fuel prices

UK inflation climbed by more than expected in September to 3.5% after a surge in prices from the conflict in the Middle East that pushed the cost of diesel above £2 a litre.

In a blow to John Healey before his first budget as chancellor in a week’s time, the Office for National Statistics said annual inflation rose from 3.1% in August. Economists had forecast an increase in the consumer prices index to 3.4%.