Nine in ten accommodation and food businesses reported concern about energy prices in early September 2026, as wholesale gas costs hit 90 per cent above year-ago levels, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Nearly two-thirds of UK businesses — 64 per cent — reported some degree of concern about energy prices in early September 2026, the figures show. That’s up from 59 per cent in late August and 61 per cent in early August, pointing to a sharp three-week climb in anxiety across the business community.
The accommodation and food service activities industry recorded the highest proportion at 90 per cent, compared with 88 per cent in late June 2026. The ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey, which covers the period 7 to 20 September 2026, combines businesses reporting they were “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” — and businesses cited the conflict in the Middle East among the reasons behind their concern.
The gas price data explains why. Wholesale gas costs rose 17 per cent in August 2026 compared with July 2026, and were 90 per cent higher than in August 2025. In the single week ending 13 September 2026, the System Average Price of gas jumped a further 10 per cent — from 6.107 pence per kilowatt-hour to 6.695 pence per kilowatt-hour.
ONS said concerns about possible disruption to global energy supplies and shipping routes contributed to upward pressure on wholesale gas and electricity prices.
The survey is voluntary and fortnightly, covering financial performance, workforce, prices, trade and business resilience. Results are weighted estimates and are subject to sampling and response uncertainty, so they should not be read as a complete census of UK businesses.
Source: @ONS
UK business concern about energy prices rises to 64% Quiz
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