LONDON, April 22 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- UK inflation lifted to its highest since December after a sharp jump in diesel and petrol prices caused by the conflict in West Asia, according to official figures released on Wednesday, reported PA Media/dpa.
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation increased to 3.3 per cent in March from 3 per cent in February, the Office for National Statistics said.
The increase was in line with predictions from economists.
Higher motor fuel was the main driver of the acceleration in inflation, increasing by 8.7 per cent month-on-month, the largest increase since June 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Office for National Statistics chief economist Grant Fitzner said: "Inflation climbed in March, largely due to increased fuel prices, which saw their largest increase in over three years.
"Air fares were another upward driver this month, alongside rising food prices.
“The only significant offset came from clothing costs, where prices rose more slowly than in the same period last year.”
-- BERNAMA-PA Media/dpa
