---
title: "UK wage growth steady as oil shocks fuel inflation risks"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/286923864.md"
description: "UK regular pay grew 3.4% year-on-year in early 2026, meeting expectations amid rising inflation risks from higher energy prices. The Federal Reserve raised its 2026 inflation forecast to 2.7%, the largest increase in recent cycles, influenced by oil market disruptions. Additionally, U.S. crude releases have reduced the Strategic Petroleum Reserve below 300 million barrels as global inventories sharply declined."
datetime: "2026-05-19T13:41:18.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/286923864.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286923864.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/286923864.md)
---

# UK wage growth steady as oil shocks fuel inflation risks

Wages meet expectations: UK regular pay grew 3.4% year-on-year in early 2026, aligning with forecasts, with policymakers watching inflation risks from higher energy prices. Fed lifts inflation view: The Federal Reserve increased its 2026 inflation forecast to 2.7%, the sharpest upward revision in recent cycles, driven by oil market disruptions. Oil reserves dwindle: U.S. crude releases cut the Strategic Petroleum Reserve below 300 million barrels as global inventories fell sharply in March and April.

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