Inflation has increased across all measures in the year to March 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.4%, up from 3.2% in February. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 3.3%, up from 3.0% last month. The Retail Prices Index (RPI) saw the largest increase, from 3.6% in February to 4.1% in the latest release. The increase in inflation in the period between February and March is due to considerable upward pressure from transport costs, specifically motor fuel. The current conflict in the Gulf has had a significant impact on the price of oil and this has raised the price of motor fuel. Higher prices for food and beverages also contributed to the latest increase.
