By Atoyebi Nike
The United Kingdom’s annual inflation rate jumped sharply to 3.5% in April, marking its highest level in over a year, as rising household utility bills placed renewed pressure on consumers.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), in data released Wednesday, said the Consumer Prices Index rose from 2.6% in March to 3.5% in April. The figure surpassed analysts’ expectations, who had predicted an increase to 3.3%.
“This is the highest inflation rate since early 2024,” the ONS noted.
The sharp uptick was attributed mainly to significant increases in gas, electricity, and water bills, which regulators permitted utility providers to adjust from April. The changes reflect previous market fluctuations and debt burdens in the water sector.
“Significant increases in household bills caused inflation to climb steeply,” said Grant Fitzner, acting director general at the ONS. “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.”
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves expressed concern over the figures, acknowledging the ongoing impact on households. “I am disappointed with these figures because I know cost of living pressures are still weighing down on working people,” she said.
Despite the rise, analysts expect relief in the coming months, forecasting a drop in energy bills starting in July, supported by recent declines in global oil prices.
