The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation in the UK matched its record high in September, rising to 5.2% from 4.5% the month before.

An increase in energy costs was behind a large proportion of the rise.

The 5.2% rate is the highest CPI measure since September 2008, and it has never been higher since the CPI measure was introduced in 1997.

The Retail Prices Index (RPI) - which includes mortgage interest payments - rose to 5.6% from 5.2%.

The latest RPI measure is the highest annual rate since June 1991.

The Office for National Statistics, which released the data, 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."

Senior statistician at the Office for National Statistics: "Gas and electricity costs have risen 9.9% in the past month"

Bills for gas and electricity have risen 9.9% in the past month, and are up 18.3% on the year.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15344297

Those are some scary numbers. Funny how here in Canada we are worrying about a 3.3% CPI rate.