Current Inflation Rate UK – Steady at 3.0% CPI Feb 2026

UK inflation held steady in February 2026, with the Office for National Statistics confirming no change in the headline rates from the previous month. The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) remained at 3.2% year-on-year, while the standard Consumer Prices Index (CPI) stayed at 3.0%, continuing to exceed the Bank of England’s official target.

The latest data, published on 25 March 2026, indicates both measures rose by 0.4% month-on-month, matching the rate recorded in February 2025. With the next release scheduled for late April, policymakers and households are monitoring whether price pressures will begin to ease toward the 2% benchmark.

What is the current inflation rate in the UK?

The most recent official figures place CPIH inflation at 3.2% and CPI inflation at 3.0% for the twelve months to February 2026. These figures remain unchanged from January 2026, indicating a period of stability in price levels after previous fluctuations.

Key insights from the February 2026 data release include:

• Stability: Year-on-year rates remained static for both CPIH and CPI compared to January 2026
• Monthly movement: Both indices increased 0.4% between January and February 2026
• Target gap: Current CPI inflation stands 1 percentage point above the Bank of England’s 2% target
• Index levels: CPIH index at 140.0 and CPI at 140.1 (2015=100)
• RPI status: The Retail Prices Index recorded 3.6%, though the ONS notes this is no longer a National Statistic
• Release schedule: Next bulletin due 22 April 2026

Source data is available from the Office for National Statistics inflation and price indices portal.

How has UK inflation changed recently?

What was the UK inflation rate last month?

In January 2026, the CPIH annual rate registered 3.2%, identical to February’s reading. Similarly, CPI held at 3.0% in January before repeating that figure in February. This flat trajectory marks a departure from the volatility seen in previous quarters.

How has UK inflation changed over the past year?

The month-on-month increase of 0.4% recorded in February 2026 exactly matches the movement observed in February 2025, suggesting consistent seasonal patterns. However, the year-on-year rates have stabilized after declining from higher peaks observed in 2024.

The April 2024 inflation release and subsequent monthly bulletins provide the comparative framework for assessing whether current stability represents a plateau or temporary pause in longer-term trends.

What is the Bank of England inflation target and current status?

The Bank of England operates under a monetary policy mandate targeting 2% CPI inflation. This target is described as a symmetric point around which the Monetary Policy Committee directs its interest rate decisions.

Why is UK inflation higher than target?

Current CPI inflation at 3.0% maintains a 1 percentage point gap above the Bank’s objective. The Bank of England’s inflation and monetary policy framework allows for temporary deviations caused by economic shocks, though persistent overshoots typically trigger policy responses including interest rate adjustments.

The February 2026 figures indicate that despite previous tightening measures, price pressures have not yet subsided to the target level. The Bank monitors these statistics alongside wage growth, energy costs, and output gaps when determining policy direction.

What causes inflation in the UK and what are the forecasts?

The March 2026 ONS release provides headline figures without detailing specific contribution categories such as energy, food, or services components. This limitation means the precise drivers maintaining inflation at 3.0% remain unspecified in the current dataset.

Economists reviewing the stable 3.0-3.2% range note that persistent inflation above target suggests underlying economic pressures continue despite previous expectations of rapid deceleration.

When is the next UK inflation data release and impacts?

The Office for National Statistics operates a monthly publication schedule for consumer price inflation data. Understanding the release calendar helps households and businesses anticipate economic updates.

1. April 2024 – Historical data release covering Q2 2024 trends ONS Archive
2. June 2024 – Mid-year inflation assessment ONS Time Series
3. November 2024 – Autumn economic data publication ONS Time Series
4. January 2025 – Year-opening statistical release ONS Time Series
5. January 2026 – Baseline data showing 3.2% CPIH and 3.0% CPI
6. 25 March 2026 – Publication of February 2026 figures ONS
7. 22 April 2026 – Next scheduled CPI/CPIH release

Impact of inflation on UK households

Sustained inflation at 3.0% continues to erode purchasing power, with households facing higher costs for goods and services compared to the 2% baseline. Energy bills and insurance premiums represent significant expenditure categories affected by price increases. For those monitoring utility costs, regular British Gas Meter Reading practices help track consumption against rising unit rates.

Is UK inflation rising or falling?

How is UK inflation measured and why does it matter?

The Office for National Statistics calculates inflation using price indices that track changes in the cost of a representative basket of goods and services. CPIH serves as the most comprehensive measure, incorporating owner occupiers’ housing costs through a rental equivalence approach, while the CPI remains the primary target metric for the Bank of England. Both indices use 2015 as the base year (set to 100), with current readings near 140 indicating a 40% price level increase over that decade.

These statistics directly affect household budgets, wage negotiations, pension increases, and government benefit adjustments. For drivers facing rising premiums, reviewing providers through resources like the 1st Central Car Insurance Review may help manage costs in an inflationary environment.

What do official sources say about UK inflation?

“The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to February 2026, unchanged from January 2026. The CPI rose by 3.0%, also unchanged from the previous month. Both measures rose by 0.4% month-on-month in February 2026, matching the rates recorded in February 2025.”

— Office for National Statistics, 25 March 2026

“The Bank’s target is 2% CPI inflation, a symmetric point around which policy is directed; current rates remain above this level.”

— Bank of England Monetary Policy Framework

What should households know about current inflation?

With UK inflation stabilizing at 3.0-3.2% through February 2026, households continue to face cost-of-living pressures above the Bank of England’s comfort zone. The unchanged monthly readings suggest price growth has plateaued rather than accelerating, though the path back to 2% remains uncertain pending the April 2026 data release and subsequent monetary policy decisions. Regular monitoring of consumption patterns and expenditure categories remains essential for budget management.

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