Consumer Price 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 rose to 3.3% in the 12 months to March as the fallout from tensions in the Middle East hit the economy.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reflected an increase in the price of fuel, food and airfares following the US-Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February.
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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
- 20 May (covering April)
- 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 key macroeconomic data, including GDP, wages and CPI figures, at 7am.
The independent statistics body used to release this data at 9.30am, but started trialling a 7am release time during the coronavirus pandemic, and made the trial permanent in March 2022.
The ONS said it decided to change the time indefinitely as it means the media and public can access key data earlier in the day.
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.
