Desitdown News (Food price rises slow as UK inflation remains at 3 8%) скачать в хорошем качестве

Desitdown News (Food price rises slow as UK inflation remains at 3 8%)

The United Kingdom’s annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in September, according to data released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure, which matches August’s reading, reflects a continued easing of food price pressures, though broader living costs remain stubbornly high for many households. The ONS reported that while food prices rose at a slower pace than earlier in the year, increases in fuel and housing costs prevented a further drop in overall inflation. Annual food inflation slowed to 6.1%, the lowest level in over two years, as prices for bread, dairy, and vegetables stabilized. However, petrol prices climbed by nearly 5% following a rebound in global oil markets, offsetting gains in other categories. Economists said the figures suggest that the Bank of England’s aggressive interest rate hikes — which have taken borrowing costs to their highest level since 2008 — are gradually cooling demand and easing supply-side pressures. Despite this progress, inflation remains nearly double the Bank’s 2% target, indicating that policymakers are likely to keep interest rates elevated for some time. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves described the data as “encouraging,” noting that “the slowdown in food prices is a welcome relief for families.” However, she acknowledged that “many people are still feeling the pinch from high energy and housing costs.” Opposition parties criticized the government for not doing enough to address the cost-of-living crisis, highlighting persistently high grocery and rent prices. The ONS also noted that services inflation — a key indicator of domestic price pressure — remained steady at 6%. Analysts expect inflation to fall more sharply in the coming months as lower energy prices and subdued consumer spending take hold, potentially allowing the Bank of England to consider rate cuts in early 2026. #Desitdown #News #Food #price #rises #slow #UK #inflation #remains at #3 8%)#desitdown #news