UK inflation dips slightly but remains in double figures amid cost of living crisis
UK inflation fell by less than expected in March, sticking in double figures as households came under pressure from food and drink prices soaring at the fastest annual rate since 1977.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said annual inflation as measured by the consumer prices index fell to 10.1% last month, resuming a downward trajectory after an unexpected rise to 10.4% in February. Inflation had peaked at 11.1% in October. City economists had forecast a drop to 9.8%.
It comes amid a decline in global oil prices over recent months, and as the immediate impact from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February falls out of the estimates for the annual increase in consumer prices.
However, those falls were offset by the price of food and nonalcoholic drinks accelerating by 19.1% in the year to March, fuelled by record growth in the price of bread and cereals, as well as a sharp rise for biscuits and cakes.
Grant Fitzner, the chief economist at the ONS, said: “The main drivers of the decline were motor fuel prices and heating oil costs, both of which fell after sharp rises at the same time last year. Clothing, furniture and household goods prices increased, but more slowly than a year ago.
“However, these were partially offset by the cost of food, which is still climbing steeply, with bread and cereal price inflation at a record high.”
The development will add to pressure on the poorest households in Britain in particular, who spend a larger share of their income on basic essentials than richer ones.
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The ONS said fruit, chocolate and confectionery, and meat prices all
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