Consumer Prices Index release dates: When will next inflation data be published?
The UK’s inflation reports are published monthly. When do they come out and where are prices heading?
Sam Walker
The UK’s rate of inflation dipped to 2.8% in the 12 months to April, but experts have warned that inflation is set to soar in the rest of 2026 as the economy deals with the fallout from the Iran war.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the drop in inflation was largely driven by a cut to energy bills, but was partially offset by rising prices for motor fuel.
Experts also noted that the latest data looks lower than it should be as prices in April 2025 were abnormally high thanks to a set of bill increases that landed that month.
Try 6 free issues of MoneyWeek today
Get unparalleled financial insight, analysis and expert opinion you can profit from.
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Higher prices a year ago makes price growth between April 2025 and April 2026 look smaller in comparison.
Most economists forecast that inflation will climb from this recent low back to a level closer to 4% by the end of this year due to the economic consequences of the war in Iran.
But when are the next CPI figures published? We reveal the key dates for 2026 you should know below.
Next UK inflation figures
In the UK, the main measure of inflation is CPI. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) releases this once a month. Each reading covers the previous month.
CPI release dates for 2026
- 17 June (covering May)
- 22 July (covering June)
- 19 August (covering July)
- 16 September (covering August)
- 21 October (covering September)
- 18 November (covering October)
- 16 December (covering November)
- 20 January 2027 (covering December)
What time is CPI released in the UK?
The ONS publishes the latest inflation data at 7am on the above release days.
All key macroeconomic data from the ONS is published at 7am – this includes GDP, labour market and wage data.
What is CPI and how is it calculated?
CPI, the main measure of inflation used in the UK, tells you how fast the cost of living is increasing (or decreasing).
It is calculated using a basket of typical household goods and services which changes once per year to reflect current trends and consumption.
Houmous and non-alcoholic beer were added to the basket in 2026.
The Bank of England keeps a close eye on CPI when setting interest rates. If inflation is too high, the Bank may raise interest rates to slow consumer spending and cool the economy.
This works to bring prices down because households have less money to spend when mortgage rates are high and debts are more expensive to repay.
Meanwhile, if inflation is too low, the Bank may reduce interest rates so consumers have more disposable income to spend. Due to the laws of supply and demand, this should push prices back up and stimulate growth in the economy.
