United Kingdom Inflation Rate — 2026 CPI Data, Trend & Outlook
The United Kingdom's inflation rate was 3.00% in May 2026, little changed from 3.00% the previous month. A year earlier it stood at 4.00%.
The United Kingdom's inflation rate stands at 3.00% as of May 2026. The inflation rate currently sits at 3.00% (little changed from 3.00% in the prior month). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 0.20% and 9.60%, and is 1.00% lower than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 193 economies tracked on this platform, United Kingdom ranks #107 on inflation rate by latest value. It was little changed from 3.00% in the previous month, and compares with a year-earlier 4.00%.
What's driving it
Inflation is shaped by energy and food prices, the exchange rate, wage growth and the stance of monetary policy; central banks lift interest rates to cool it and ease when it falls back toward target.
Recent readings
| Period | Inflation rate |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | 3.00% |
| Apr 2026 | 3.00% |
| Mar 2026 | 3.40% |
| Feb 2026 | 3.20% |
| Jan 2026 | 3.20% |
| Dec 2025 | 3.60% |
| Nov 2025 | 3.50% |
| Oct 2025 | 3.80% |
Data: Source: OECD (terms permit extract/distribute, incl. commercial, with citation). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Inflation Rate in the United Kingdom Right Now (2026)?
The United Kingdom's inflation rate was 3.00% in May 2026, little changed from 3.00% the previous month. A year earlier it stood at 4.00%.
Is the inflation rate rising or falling in the United Kingdom?
It was little changed in the latest reading — 3.00% in May 2026 versus 3.00% a month earlier. Year on year it is lower.
What is inflation rate?
It measures how fast consumer prices are rising, measured by the consumer price index (CPI).