British annual inflation surged to a three-year high of 5.2 percent in September from 4.5 percent in August owing to spikes in energy prices, official data showed on Tuesday. \"CPI (consumer prices index) annual inflation stands at 5.2 percent, up from 4.5 percent in August,\" the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. \"CPI annual inflation has never been higher but was also 5.2 percent in September 2008. By far the largest upward pressure ... came from increases in gas and electricity charges,\" the ONS added.