Inflation holds steady as lower food prices offset higher fuel costs

Inflation was flat in March, as lower food prices offset higher fuel costs at the pumps.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was unchanged at 1.9% last month, matching February’s rate.

March inflation missed economists’ expectations of 2%, which would have put it squarely in line with the Bank of England’s target.

Drivers faced higher costs for fuel, with average petrol prices up by 1.2p per litre to 120.3p. Diesel rose 1.4p per litre to 130.7p.

But computer games weighed on the recreation and culture category, with prices growing at a slower rate than the previous year.

Games toys and hobbies, the category which includes computer games, rose 1% on the month, compared to a 3% rise in March of last year.

The ONS measures the prices of top-selling video games of each month, meaning new releases can affect the overall impact of the category.

Recording media, which includes CDs and DVDs, also weighed on recreation and culture. Prices fell 3.5% between February and March but were up 2.1% during the same period of 2018.

Oils and fats had the most significant effect as prices slipped 1.4% in March, in contrast to last year’s rise of 6.7%.

Commenting on the stable rate, EY Item Club’s chief economic adviser Howard Archer said: “This is helpful news for consumer purchasing power and facilitates the Bank of England keeping interest rates unchanged at 0.75% as Brexit uncertainties are extended.

“Any help to consumer purchasing power is particularly welcome as the economy is likely to be hampered by prolonged Brexit uncertainties following the flexible extension of the UK’s exit from the EU to 31 October.”

The Retail Prices Index (RPI), a separate measure of inflation, was unchanged from February at 2.4%.

Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG, said: “The figures will offer some comfort for businesses worried about the extra costs associated with the departure from the EU, as well as the prospects of rising costs of capital.”