UK CPI rose 0.04% year-on-year in September 2026, up from 0.03% in August, marking the first increase in six months; the month-on-month reading was flat at 0.00%.
The annual rate had held at 0.03% from April through August before edging higher in September, suggesting slightly firmer price momentum. Transport CPI rose 0.07% YoY, up from 0.05% and near a 24-period high, while housing rose 0.05% versus 0.04% previously. Food CPI increased 0.01% YoY, unchanged from August but well below April's 0.03%, sitting near a 24-period low. Core CPI held steady at 0.03% YoY.
The rise in transport and housing aligned with the headline uptick, while food inflation's continued moderation showed divergence. Based solely on current data, the underlying drivers cannot be confirmed.