Seven in Ten UK Businesses Worried About Energy and Fuel Prices, ONS Survey Finds
72% of UK businesses were concerned about energy prices and 73% about fuel prices in late September 2026, the highest levels since the ONS began asking. 91% of hospitality businesses were concerned about energy. A follow-up survey in early October found 70% concerned about energy and 72% about fuel.
By Entrepreneur Group · Published · Updated
Most UK businesses are worried about energy and fuel costs going into winter. In late September 2026, 72% had some concern about energy prices and 73% about fuel prices, according to the Office for National Statistics. Both were the highest readings since the questions were introduced earlier in 2026.
Concern was highest in hospitality, where 91% of accommodation and food businesses were worried about energy prices. In transport and storage, 60% said they were "very concerned" about fuel.
Updated 1 November 2026: The ONS's next survey, published on 22 October 2026 and carried out between 5 and 18 October, found concern had eased slightly: 72% of businesses had some concern about fuel prices, with 38% very concerned, and 70% had some concern about energy prices, with 30% very concerned. Energy is moving up businesses' list of worries, though. 15% said energy prices would be their main concern in November 2026, up 10 points on a year earlier, and 32% of trading businesses cited energy prices as a reason to consider raising their prices in November.
The main findings
From the ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey, carried out between 21 September and 4 October 2026:
- Energy prices: 72% of businesses had some concern, the highest since the question was first asked in March 2026.
- Fuel prices: 73% had some concern, the highest since the question was added in May 2026.
- Supply chains: 48% of businesses with 10 or more employees were concerned about at least one supply chain factor over the next year. That was broadly stable on August but 17 percentage points higher than in September 2025. International conflict (32%) and shipping disruption (21%) were the most common worries.
- Climate change: 41% reported some concern, the highest since February 2023.
Despite these worries, 95% of businesses were trading, 86% fully and 9% partially. 2% had permanently stopped trading.
Why concern is rising
The worry matches what prices have done. In August, motor fuel prices were 23.0% higher than a year earlier and diesel averaged 181.8p a litre, up 14.2p in a single month, according to the ONS August inflation figures. The Bank of England has linked the rise in energy prices to the conflict in the Middle East.
Businesses also have fewer protections than households. The temporary 0% VAT rate on electricity from 1 October applies to domestic and other qualifying supplies, not to most business electricity.
What businesses can do
This section is editorial guidance, not financial advice.
- Know your contract dates. Find out when your energy contract ends and whether your price is fixed or variable. Start comparing quotes at least a few months before renewal.
- Cut use before you cut costs elsewhere. Simple changes such as heating and lighting timers, turning off idle equipment and fixing draughts can reduce bills.
- Check fuel clauses. If you buy delivery or haulage services, see whether suppliers can add fuel surcharges, and agree how they are calculated.
- Price for the winter. If energy or fuel is a big part of your costs, review prices now rather than absorbing increases for months. Explain changes to customers clearly.
- Plan for supply delays. With shipping disruption a common worry, keep a small buffer of critical stock and identify a second supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How many UK businesses are worried about energy prices?
72% of UK businesses had some concern about energy prices in late September 2026, according to the ONS, the highest since the question was first asked in March 2026. In the ONS survey carried out in early October 2026, the figure was 70%.
Which businesses are most worried about energy costs?
Accommodation and food service businesses were most concerned, with 91% reporting some concern about energy prices in late September 2026.
Are UK businesses worried about fuel prices?
Yes. 73% of businesses had some concern about fuel prices in late September 2026, and 72% in early October 2026, according to the ONS. In transport and storage, 60% said they were very concerned in late September.
Sources
- ONS: Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 8 October 2026 (BICS wave 165) (reviewed 27 October 2026)
- ONS: Consumer price inflation, UK: August 2026 (reviewed 27 October 2026)
- ONS: Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 22 October 2026 (BICS wave 166) (reviewed 1 November 2026)