Surging fuel prices push UK inflation rate to 3.5% ahead of Budget
Inflation accelerated to 3.5% from 3.1% in the year to September, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Surging fuel prices lift UK inflation to 3.5% before Budget
UK price growth picked up ahead of John Healey's first Budget, driven by steep rises in petrol and diesel costs.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), inflation increased to 3.5% in the year to September, up from 3.1%.
The cost of refuelling vehicles has climbed sharply in recent months as conflicts in the Middle East and Europe continued to tighten global oil supplies.
The ONS said petrol prices in September were the highest since August 2022, while diesel prices also surged.
Between August and September, the average price of petrol rose by 8.2p per litre to 169.5p per litre, while diesel increased to 192.5p per litre.
Overall, motor fuel prices rose by 29.8% over the period covered by the figures.
The data came as the ONS said the government borrowed £25bn in September, £1.8bn more than a year earlier, with higher inflation helping to drive up debt interest costs.