Energy Price Concerns Reach 72% of UK Businesses, New ONS Survey Finds

Nearly three-quarters of UK businesses have expressed concern about energy prices, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

The latest Business Insights and Conditions Survey found that 72% of businesses reported some degree of concern about energy costs in late September, the highest proportion recorded since the question was introduced in March 2026.

The findings highlight the continuing pressures facing businesses as energy markets remain uncertain and operating costs affect decisions about pricing, investment and employment.

Hospitality businesses report the greatest concern

The accommodation and food service industry recorded the highest level of concern, with 91% of businesses in the sector reporting worries about energy prices.

Businesses such as restaurants, pubs, hotels and catering companies often depend heavily on electricity and gas for refrigeration, cooking, heating and daily operations.

Energy costs can therefore represent a significant expense, particularly for smaller operators.

While the survey measures concern rather than financial losses, the findings illustrate how sensitive parts of the hospitality industry remain to changes in energy prices.

Fuel costs add further pressure

Energy bills are not the only concern.

The ONS also reported that 73% of businesses expressed concern about rising fuel prices in late September.

Among transportation and storage businesses, 60% said they were very concerned about fuel price increases.

Higher fuel costs can affect delivery businesses, transport operators and companies that rely on vehicles to provide their services.

They can also increase the cost of moving goods around the country.

Whether these pressures eventually lead to higher consumer prices will depend on factors including competition, demand and how much of the additional cost businesses can absorb.

Supply chain uncertainty remains

The survey also identified continuing concerns about international supply chains.

Among businesses employing 10 or more people, 48% reported concern about at least one factor affecting supply chains over the coming year.

International conflict was identified by 32% of businesses, while 21% cited shipping disruption.

These findings come as companies continue to assess risks to the availability, movement and cost of imported products and materials.

What does this mean for the UK economy?

Higher operating costs can leave businesses facing difficult decisions.

Some may review prices, delay investment or seek ways to reduce energy consumption. Others may attempt to absorb higher costs rather than passing them on to customers.

However, concern about prices does not automatically mean a business is making a loss, increasing prices or planning redundancies.

The ONS survey also found that 95% of businesses reported that they were trading in late September, either fully or partially.

The figures therefore present a mixed picture: most surveyed businesses continued operating, but many were worried about financial pressures.

The voluntary ONS survey ran from 21 September to 4 October 2026. Its results are classified as official statistics in development and should be interpreted with appropriate caution.

The next Business Insights and Conditions Survey is scheduled for 22 October 2026.

Keep Updated UK will continue examining how energy and fuel costs affect businesses, employment and consumer prices.