UK inflation rose to 3.5% in the 12 months to September 2026, up from 3.1% in August, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on 21 October 2026. Here’s a quick look at what drove the rise and what it means if your business buys steel parts.

What the ONS figures show

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 0.4% in September alone, taking the annual rate to its highest level since October 2025. The ONS says transport, and motor fuels in particular, made the largest upward contribution.

• Diesel rose by 10.7p a litre in September to an average of 192.5p, the highest price recorded since July 2022.
• Petrol rose by 8.2p a litre to an average of 169.5p, the highest since August 2022.
• Overall motor fuel prices were up 29.8% on a year earlier.
• Annual inflation for goods rose from 2.7% to 3.2%, the highest rate since September 2023, with energy the biggest factor.
• Core CPI, which leaves out energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, rose from 2.6% to 2.8%.

The wider CPIH measure, which includes owner occupiers’ housing costs, rose to 3.6% from 3.3%.

What it means for UK manufacturers buying steel parts

The ONS figures measure household prices, but the same pressures, especially fuel, are felt right across manufacturing. Diesel moves raw material, finished parts and the vans and wagons that deliver them. A few practical points worth keeping in mind:

• Think about distance. With diesel at its highest price in over four years, every extra mile in your supply chain costs more. A supplier closer to you means shorter journeys and simpler delivery.
• Get firm prices quickly. When costs are moving, a firm quote you can act on today is worth more than a rough figure next week.
• Combine your parts. Putting laser cutting, folding and fabrication with one supplier can cut down on separate deliveries between different shops.
• Plan repeat work. Sharing forecasts and repeat schedules helps your supplier plan material and machine time around your needs.

Made in Shaw, Oldham

At Kaizen Engineering we laser cut, fold on our CNC press brake and fabricate made-to-order steel parts at our works in Shaw, Oldham, handy for manufacturers across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire. We offer same-day quotes and same-day laser cutting, so you can get a firm price fast and get parts moving without waiting around.

We work with large manufacturers who need repeat orders and contract supply, and with smaller firms who need a one-off, a short batch or an urgent replacement. See our full range of engineering services, or find out more about our laser cutting.

Send us your drawing

Email your drawing or DXF to sales@kaizen-eng.com with the material, thickness and quantity, and we’ll come back with a quote the same day.

Kaizen Engineering, Thomas Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8PG
Made Up North. Built to Last.

Sources

• Office for National Statistics, “Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026” (released 21 October 2026): ons.gov.uk