Analysts had expected inflation to rise to 3.3%, but the actual figure reached 3.5%
Britain’s annual inflation rate surged to 3.5% in April, its highest level since early 2024, driven by steep rises in energy and water bills, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Wednesday. This marked a significant jump from 2.6% in March and exceeded analysts’ expectations of 3.3%.
“Significant increases in household bills caused inflation to climb steeply,” said Grant Fitzner, ONS acting director general. “Gas and electricity bills rose compared with sharp falls at the same time last year. Water and sewerage bills also rose strongly as did vehicle excise duty.”
The increase follows regulatory decisions allowing utility companies to raise charges, citing oil and gas market trends and mounting debt in the water sector.
“I am disappointed with these figures because I know cost of living pressures are still weighing down on working people,” said Finance Minister Rachel Reeves.
Analysts expect energy bills to fall from July, following a decline in oil prices amid U.S. tariff developments.