UK Inflation Rises to 3.3% in March as Iran War Drives Fuel Prices Higher

GateNews

Gate News message, April 22 — UK inflation jumped to 3.3% in March, up from 3% in February, marking the highest level since December 2025. The increase was driven primarily by a sharp rise in diesel and petrol prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Motor fuel prices surged by 8.7% month-on-month, the largest increase since June 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Petrol prices rose by 8.6 pence per litre to 140.2 pence per litre, the highest since August 2024. Diesel prices increased by 17.6 pence per litre to 158.7 pence per litre, the highest since November 2023.

Air fares also contributed to inflation, rising 14.5% year-on-year, while food and non-alcoholic drink prices climbed 3.7% year-on-year. Clothing and footwear prices, however, declined 0.8% month-on-month, providing downward pressure on the overall rate. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated: “The Iran crisis is not our war, but it is pushing up bills for families and businesses. We’re acting to protect people from unfair price rises, bring down food prices at the till, and boost long-term energy security.”

The 3.3% inflation rate moves the UK further from the 2% target set by the Government and Bank of England. Economists remain cautious about the outlook, with uncertainty surrounding energy supply and prices.

Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to Disclaimer.

Related Articles

S&P 500 Holds Steady as US Awaits Iran Response

US stock indexes held steady near record highs on Tuesday as investors monitored geopolitical developments and corporate earnings. The S&P 500 Index climbed 0.1% at 9:34 a.m. in New York, while the Nasdaq 100 Index rose 0.2%, according to market data. Market Performance Six of 11 sectors traded i

CryptoFrontier33m ago

U.S. DOJ and CFTC Launch Investigation Into $2.6B Suspicious Oil Trades Ahead of Trump Iran Announcements

According to BlockBeats, on May 7, the U.S. Department of Justice and CFTC launched an investigation into a series of suspicious oil market trades worth over $2.6 billion that occurred shortly before Trump's major announcements regarding Iran. Traders bet oil prices would fall, and prices

GateNews2h ago

WTI Crude Oil Drops to $91 per Barrel, Down 6.28% Today

According to Gate data, WTI crude oil fell to $91 per barrel today, declining 6.28% intraday. Brent crude retreated below $95 per barrel, down 5.43% in the same period. Spot silver rose above $81 per ounce, marking its highest level since April 17, up 4.74% intraday.

GateNews2h ago

Chinese-Owned Crude Oil Tanker Attacked in Strait of Hormuz on May 4, Deck Catches Fire

According to BlockBeats, a Chinese-owned crude oil tanker was attacked at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, with its deck catching fire. The vessel was identified as "CHINA OWNER&CREW" during the attack. On May 6, French

GateNews3h ago

OPEC+ to increase output by 18.8 thousand barrels per day: the first meeting without the UAE, with Saudi Arabia taking the lead in restraining the increase

The UAE has left OPEC. At its May meeting, OPEC+ announced a June production increase of 188k barrels per day without including the UAE, with the seven countries coordinating to hold back. The UAE’s exit limits the organization’s influence; if it also increases production independently, the market may face renewed pressure. Key focus going forward: the outcome of the June meeting, the UAE’s independent moves, and the supply role of US shale amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

ChainNewsAbmedia3h ago

HyperLiquid Whale Loracle.hl Closes BRENTOIL Short for $991K Gain, Holds $8.55M Unrealized Profit

According to on-chain analyst Onchain Lens, HyperLiquid whale Loracle.hl closed a BRENTOIL short position 2 hours ago with a profit of $991,000. The wallet currently holds unrealized gains exceeding $8.55 million and has accumulated total profits of approximately $36 million. Its active positions in

GateNews4h ago
Comment
0/400
No comments