Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 156): 28 May 2026

Prices

The BICS asks businesses that have not permanently stopped trading (i.e. ‘Currently Trading’ or ‘Paused Trading’) about how the prices of materials, goods and services bought and sold compare with the previous calendar month.

Figure 2: An estimated 39.0% of businesses saw an increase in the prices of goods or services bought in April 2026 compared with March 2026, and 20.6% increased the prices of goods and services they sold.

Estimated share of businesses experiencing increased prices (of goods or services bought or of goods or services sold). Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 57 (16 May to 29 May 2022) to 156 (4 May to 17 May 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 156 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

In May 2026, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in June 2026. An estimated 21.3% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in June 2026; lower than the share expecting to increase prices in May 2026 (35.4%), but in line with the proportion that were expecting to increase prices in June 2025 (20.7%).

Figure 3: Labour costs and energy prices were the top factors reported by businesses for considering price increases, reported by 39.4% and 31.3% of businesses, respectively.

Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in June 2026. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 156 (4 May to 17 May 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 156 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.