UK inflation rises to 3.1% in August as fuel prices climb
UK annual consumer price inflation increased to 3.1% in August 2026 from 2.9% in July, driven by fuel prices, according to ONS figures reported by The Guardian on September 16.
In short
- UK annual consumer price inflation increased to 3.1% in August 2026 from 2.9% in July, driven by fuel prices, according to ONS figures reported by The Guardian on September 16.
UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.1% in the year to August 2026, up from 2.9% in July, according to Office for National Statistics figures reported by The Guardian on September 16.
Prices increased by 0.5% over the month. Transport costs, particularly petrol and diesel, were the main driver of the increase in the annual rate.
The Guardian’s account of the release said motor fuel prices were 23% higher than a year earlier. Average petrol prices rose by 9.1 pence a litre between July and August to 161.3 pence, while diesel increased by 14.2 pence to 181.8 pence.
Other measures showed less movement. Core inflation remained at 2.6%, and services inflation held at 3.4%. The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages was unchanged at 1.3%.
The figures put headline inflation above the Bank of England’s 2% target ahead of its scheduled monetary policy decision on September 17. The release measures price changes already recorded in August; it does not determine the bank’s next interest-rate decision.
