Britain’s annual inflation rate rose more than expected in April, climbing to 3.5 per cent from 2.6 per cent in March, according to official data released Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics.
The figure exceeded analysts’ consensus forecast of 3.3 per cent and marked the highest level since January 2024.
The surge was driven primarily by sharp increases in household energy and water bills after UK regulators allowed private companies to adjust prices starting April. The hikes reflected fluctuations in oil and gas markets and the financial pressures facing water providers.
“I am disappointed with these figures because I know cost of living pressures are still weighing down on working people,” Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said in response to the data.
ONS Acting Director General Grant Fitzner explained the key drivers: “Significant increases in household bills caused inflation to climb steeply. Gas and electricity bills rose… compared with sharp falls at the same time last year.”
He added: “Water and sewerage bills also rose strongly… as did vehicle excise duty, which all pushed the headline rate up to its highest level since the beginning of last year.”
Analysts noted that relief may come soon, with energy bills expected to decline from July following recent drops in oil prices. The price reductions are partly attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of new tariffs, which have impacted global energy markets.
