UK consumer price inflation rose in July 2026, ending a recent downward trend and reaching its highest level in four months, driven primarily by a sharp increase in household energy costs. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on 19 August 2026 that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 2.9% in the 12 months to July, up from 2.6% in June. This matched market expectations but exceeded the Bank of England’s recent forecast of 2.8%. The broader CPI including o

The UK's annual inflation rate dropped to 2.6% in June, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks a welcome decline from 2.8% in May and came in below economists' expectations of 2.7%. The slowdown was primarily driven by falling fuel costs and moderating food prices. Diesel prices plunged by 10.7 pence per litre, providing significant relief at the pumps. Food inflation eased to 1.7%, with notable price drops in everyday items