UK Inflation Rate Hits Lowest in a Year

The annual inflation rate in the UK slowed to 2.8% in April 2026 from 3.3% in March, coming in below market expectations of 3.0% and marking the lowest reading since March last year. The moderation was mainly driven by a sharp slowdown in housing and household services inflation (1.4% vs 5.3% in March), following the introduction of an energy price cap by the UK’s energy regulator on April 1. Transport costs also rose at a softer pace (4.5% vs 4.7%), as a downward effect from vehicle excise duty (VED) partly offset surging motor fuel prices, which climbed 23%, the highest annual increase since September 2022. Inflation also eased for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.0% vs 3.7%), health (2.4% vs 3.1%), and recreation and culture (1.7% vs 2.8%). Meanwhile, prices rebounded for clothing (0.7% vs -0.8%) and furniture and household goods (0.5% vs -0.4%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.7% in April, matching the pace recorded in the previous period.

The annual inflation rate in the UK rose to 3.3% in March 2026, up from 3% in each of the previous two months and in line with expectations. This marks the highest reading in three months. The increase was driven in part by transport costs, which rose by 4.7%, the fastest pace since December 2022. Motor fuels, in particular, climbed by 4.9%, making the largest upward contribution, largely due to the impact of the war with Iran. The average price of petrol increased by 8.6 pence per litre between February and March 2026 and diesel prices also rose sharply, up by 17.6 pence per litre. Housing and household services costs rose 4.3% (vs 4.2%), driven by a 95.3% surge in domestic heating oil prices, the highest increase since September 2022. Prices also accelerated for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.7% vs. 3.3%) and services (4.5% vs. 4.3%). On the other hand, clothing prices fell by 0.8%, the steepest decline since March 2021. Compared to February, the CPI increased 0.7%.

The annual inflation rate in the UK steadied at 3% in February 2026, the same as in January and in line with expectations. Clothing made the largest upward contribution, with prices rising 0.9%, the first increase in four months. Prices normally rise in February as the spring product ranges start to enter the shops. Prices also rose at a faster pace for housing and utilities (4.6% vs 4.5%). On the other hand, inflation slowed for transport (2.4% vs 2.7%), with the average price of petrol falling by 1.6 pence per litre between January and February 2026, compared with a rise of 2.0 pence per litre last year. A slowdown was also seen for food (3.3% vs 3.6%), recreation and culture (2.5% vs 2.6%), and restaurants and hotels (4% vs 4.1%). Services inflation also edged down to 4.3% from 4.4%. Compared to the previous month, the CPI rose 0.4%, recovering from a 0.5% fall in January and matching forecasts. Annual core inflation unexpectedly edged up to 3.2% from 3.1%.