# Inflation hits 4.9% as fuel prices surge in Sept 14 October 2026 at 09:56 > The National Statistics Institute confirms a 2026 inflation peak, prompting the government to maintain fuel discounts through November. The **National Statistics Institute** (INE) confirmed on Wednesday that the annual inflation rate reached 4.9% in **September 2026**, the highest level recorded since 2023. This surge was driven by a 31% rise in gasoline prices and an 11.4% increase in electricity costs. The 31% spike in fuel costs exceeded the 15% threshold set in the war protection measures decree. Consequently, the government will maintain fuel discounts at 20 cents in **November 2026**, rather than reducing the bonus to 13 cents as originally planned for lower rises. While gas prices rose by 5.4% and food by 2.7%, electricity taxation will not be lowered as its 11.4% increase remained below the 15% safeguard limit. Notably, the cumulative balance of food prices since the start of the war in **Iran** remains in negative territory. [#Inflation]() #FuelPrices #EnergyCosts [#INE]() [#Economy]() ## Related news ## [Pozuelo de Alarcón remains Spain's richest town]() 19 October 2026 at 15:00 ## [Spain's pension spending to hit €200bn by 2026]() 18 October 2026 at 18:48 ## [Funcas forecasts 2.5% GDP growth for Spain in 2026]() 15 October 2026 at 13:03 ## [Pensions to rise in December after elections]() 15 October 2026 at 10:23 ## [Spain restores fuel subsidies via royal decree]() 30 September 2026 at 08:41