BBC reported UK inflation was 3.5% in September, slightly above analysts'
expectations; the figure is used to determine April annual uprating of
working‑age benefits. The recent jump in living costs is largely due to higher
fuel: average unleaded petrol about 1.74 GBP/l and diesel 1.99 GBP/l, down
slightly from a c.2.00 GBP/l peak earlier this month. Filling up is squeezing
household budgets, and because most goods are transported by truck or van fuel
costs have widespread knock‑on effects on prices.
