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Surging fuel prices push UK inflation rate to 3.5% ahead of Budget

Photo: BBC

The pace of UK price rises accelerated ahead of Chancellor John Healey's first Budget, pushed up by sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices.

The rate of inflation rose to 3.5% from 3.1% in the year to September, its quickest pace since October 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The cost of filling up a vehicle has soared in recent months as conflicts in the Middle East and Europe continue to squeeze global oil supplies.

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