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