UK inflation rises by more than expected to 3.5% as war drives up fuel prices

Increase in annual price growth in September comes amid fears rate will breach 4% next year

UK inflation climbed by more than expected in September to 3.5% after a surge in prices from the conflict in the Middle East that pushed the cost of diesel above £2 a litre.

In a blow to John Healey before his first budget as chancellor in a week’s time, the Office for National Statistics said annual inflation rose from 3.1% in August. Economists had forecast an increase in the consumer prices index to 3.4%.

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