Try GOLD - Free
Inflation remains unexpectedly static as food prices ease
Western Mail
|October 23, 2025
INFLATION unexpectedly remained steady last month as upward pressure from petrol prices was offset by easing food costs, according to official figures.
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was 3.8% in September, remaining at the same level as both July and August, the Office for National Statistics said.
Economists had predicted a reading of 4% for the month.
The weaker-than-expected rise will provide a boost for the Bank of England in its bid to bring inflation back down to its 2% target rate.
The Bank of England had previously predicted that UK inflation would peak around September before steadily falling back down.
The inflation figure will also be beneficial for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with it pointing to a smaller-than-expected rise in the cost of living for households and also a weaker-than-expected increase in many welfare payments next year.
However, the Chancellor said yesterday: "I am not satisfied with these numbers. For too long our economy has felt stuck, with people feeling they are putting in more and getting less out.
This story is from the October 23, 2025 edition of Western Mail.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Western Mail
Western Mail
Domino's reveals dip in number of orders after price hikes
DOMINO'S has revealed its sales performance was boosted by higher prices for customers as order numbers dipped.
1 min
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
School reopens after knife threat messages
A PRIMARY school which was shut down by police because a threat was made about “individuals attending the premises armed with knives” is to reopen today.
1 mins
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
Think tank: '2p rise necessary to fill £50bn gap'
THE Chancellor must plug a £50 billion black hole in the nation’s public finances, with at least a 2p hike to the basic rate of income tax likely to be needed, a major economic think tank has warned.
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
£5m investment opens markets for drinks firm
SOFT drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has unveiled a £5m investment that will more than double its overall carton capacity, from 60 million to 150 million packs annually.
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
New hospitality provider for Principality Stadium
THE Welsh Rugby Union has appointed a new food and drink and hospitality operator for the Principality Stadium, in a deal which promises to generate millions more in much needed new revenues.
3 mins
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
ABF pondering Primark sell-off
CONSUMER goods giant ABF is considering selling off fashion brand Primark as it undertakes a “comprehensive review” of the business.
1 mins
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
Visitors to beach put on alert
AN URGENT warning has been issued after several Portuguese Man O’ War, also known as “Floating Terrors”, were found washed up on a Welsh beach.
1 min
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
Park expansion to address 'chronic lack' of quality
ONE of Wales' most successful business parks has confirmed a major expansion with a new phase that will deliver 338,000 sq ft of modern industrial and logistics space.
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
John Lewis tunes into memories
JOHN Lewis has turned a surly teenager giving his father the Christmas gift of ‘90s vinyl into its festive campaign this year.
1 min
November 05, 2025
Western Mail
German at risk as A-level languages continue to fall
A SHARP drop in the study of languages at A-level in Wales has sparked concern.
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size