Jump in energy bills drives inflation to 2.9% - the highest rate for four months
Jump in energy bills drives inflation to 2.9% - the highest rate for four months
Wed, August 19, 2026 at 7:49 AM UTC
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The UK's inflation rate rose to 2.9% in the year to July, up from 2.6% the month before
Widely expected by economists, the increase was driven by "the largest rise in gas prices for almost four years", the Office for National Statistics says
Food prices - while still rising at 1.3% - are increasing at their lowest rate for nearly five years, the latest figures show
Incomes for most - for now - are continuing to outpace prices but if the war in the Middle East drags on, the inflation rate could risk creeping higher, writes our deputy economics editor
Chancellor John Healey says the economy is "resilient" but that the Iran war continues to impact prices - the Conservatives criticise "Labour's mismanagement"
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation measure is based on a sample of everyday items and services - the Bank of England has a target of keeping it at 2%
Jump in energy bills drives inflation to 2.9% - the highest rate for four months
Source: “AOL Money”
