There was a massive surge in UK inflation rate last month.
Official figures show that the Consumer Prices Index measure for September hit 5.2%, a significant increase from the 4.5% recorded in August and higher than had been predicted.
The 5.2% figure is the highest since September 2008. It has never been higher since the CPI measure was introduced in 1997.
The Bank of England’s target rate for CPI is 2%.
The Office for National Statistics also recorded that the Retail Prices Index measure – which covers mortgage interest payments – rose to 5.6% from 5.2% over the same period.
The ONS said in a statement: “By far the largest upward pressure to the change in CPI came from increases in gas and electricity charges.
“There were also large upward pressures from air transport and communication services.”
Inflation is now expected to start declining from next month.