German inflation hits surprise 3-year high in Sept

*CPI up 2.6 pct vs 2.4 pct in August
* Data weakens case for swift ECB rate hike
* Economists expect price pressures to ease in months ahead (Adds national figures, economists)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/28/germany-cpi-idUSL5E7KS2YA20110928