UK inflation hit 5.2% in September 2011 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

More precisely Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation stands at 5.2% for September 2011. The CPI has never been higher but was also 5.2% in September 2008.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation stands at 5.6% in September 2011, the highest it has been for over 20 years. The ONS report that last time RPI annual inflation was higher was in June 1991 when it stood at 5.8%.

There are some important differences between these two main ways the ONS use to measure inflation. The government prefers the Consumer Price Index, which also includes services, housing, electricity, food, and transportation, but the Retail Price Index covers more items.