Australia’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 4.3% in September 2026 from 4.0% in August, above market expectations of 4.2%, marking the highest rate since March. The reading also moved further above the central bank’s 2–3% target range. Transport inflation accelerated to a six-month high of 8.7% from 5.6%, driven by higher automotive fuel prices amid rising global oil prices. Meanwhile, inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages accelerated to 3.2% from 3.0%.