UK inflation falls to lowest level since late 2021 as food prices ease further
Inflation in the U.K. fell to its lowest level in two and a half years in March after a further easing in food prices
By AP News
Published - Apr 17, 2024, 02:48 AM ET
Last Updated - Apr 17, 2024, 02:48 AM EDT
LONDON (AP) — Inflation in the U.K. fell to its lowest level in two and a half years in March after a further easing in food prices, official figures showed Wednesday.
Consumer prices rose by 3.2% in the year to March, down from 3.4% in February, the Office for National Statistics said. That's the lowest level since September 2021.
The fall in the annual rate was not as big as anticipated. Economists had predicted a reading of 3.1% for the month.
Inflation is still running higher than the Bank of England’s target of 2% but the direction of the move appears clear. Inflation hit a high above 11% at the end of 2022 in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to sharp increases in energy costs.
