# Inflation leaps to 4%, stoking fears of fifth interest rate hike before Christmas

https://mins.news/en/item/79710

- The Guardian, 2026-09-30 04:40 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/30/australia-inflation-rise-stokes-fears-fifth-interest-rate-hike-before-christmas

> Australia’s annual inflation rate rose to 4% in August from 3.5%, with fuel prices surging 15% amid higher global oil prices and the worsening Middle East conflict. Treasurer Jim Chalmers blamed the external shock, while economists said inflation remained above the Reserve Bank’s 2.5% target and another rate hike could come before year-end.

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