Logistics UK responds to CPI figures

Commenting on the CPI figures announced today (21 October 2026), Ben Fletcher, Chief Executive of business group Logistics UK said:

“Today’s Consumer Prices Index, which shows inflation at 3.6% in September, includes motor fuel inflation at 31.9% – the highest inflation rate for liquid fuels, vehicle fuels and lubricants since August 2022. This throws into sharp relief the financial pressure the logistics sector is under. As the ONS states, transport, particularly motor fuels, made the largest upward contribution to the increase in inflation.

“The rapid rise in fuel inflation, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, has a direct effect on logistics operating costs, which will have a knock-on impact on the prices people pay in the shop. Fuel, energy, tyres, maintenance, vehicles, insurance and labour are non-negotiable charges and, while operators will attempt to absorb some increases through lower margins and improved efficiency, much of this increase will ultimately drive further inflation across the wider economy.”

Business group Logistics UK champions the logistics sector, the backbone of the UK economy and global trade, providing a unique, authoritative voice for its members. As the only trade association representing the whole industry, it supports more than 22,000 members, operating in road, rail, waterways, sea and air freight, in ports, airports and warehousing, as well as the customers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers. The group delivers industry representation, services and thought leadership to support a sector that is critical to economic growth, employing 8% of the UK workforce, contributing £175 billion in annual GVA and enabling over a £1 trillion of international trade. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit www.logistics.org.uk