Australia’s annual CPI inflation rose to 4.3% in September 2026, according to the ABS release published on 28 October. This is an inflation update, not a change to your car-loan interest rate or repayment instructions.
What did the September release show?
The ABS September 2026 CPI release, published at 11:30 am AEDT on 28 October, reported annual inflation of 4.3%, compared with 4.0% in August.
The monthly CPI increase was 0.8% before seasonal adjustment and 0.6% after adjustment. Annual trimmed mean inflation was 3.6%, compared with a revised 3.5% in August. Keep these different measures separate when comparing headlines.
The increase from 4.0% to 4.3% is 0.3 percentage points. It does not mean a lender has increased a loan rate by that amount.
Does this announce a new borrowing rate?
No. The ABS publishes price statistics; an inflation release is not an RBA cash-rate decision or a lender’s offer.
The RBA explains that the cash rate concerns overnight loans between financial institutions. It influences other interest rates, but funding conditions, competition and loan risk also matter. Changes do not pass through automatically or identically to every borrower.
Today’s figures alone cannot tell you the rate available when you apply or what the RBA will decide next. Avoid treating a forecast as a confirmed change to your finance.
What should buyers check before accepting finance?
Ask for a current written quote, its expiry date and any conditions still to be met. Confirm which rate applies at settlement, rather than relying on a figure discussed earlier.
ASIC’s Moneysmart guidance recommends comparing features, fees and interest rates. Compare the same borrowing amount and term, and include any final balloon payment when checking total repayments.
If you already have a loan, use your contract and any lender notice to establish whether a repayment changes. Our guide to RBA changes and car-loan repayments explains the fixed-versus-variable distinction.
What is the practical next step?
Keep the news release, a rate forecast and your actual loan offer separate. Before committing to a purchase, check the offer’s figures and deadlines with the person arranging your finance.
Aussie Loans is a finance broker. Contact our team to discuss your proposed vehicle finance. General information only, checked 28 October 2026; lender approval, terms and eligibility apply.
