UK inflation is expected to rise to 3.4% after diesel topped £2 a litre for the FIRST time ever

Millions on benefits have a stake in Wednesday's figures, because the September rate is typically used to set how much many payments rise. The Office for National Statistics will publish the official number, with forecasters predicting a climb from 3.1% in August. Pantheon economists Rob Wood and Elliott Jordan-Doak point to soaring motor fuel costs. The Middle East energy shock has driven prices up all summer.

The end of a temporary summer VAT cut is expected to push up theme park and zoo prices.

Deutsche Bank's Sanjay Raja warns that supermarket price wars may no longer hold food costs down.

Ofgem's higher energy price cap kicked in this month, piling on winter pain for dual-fuel homes.