Inflation rates remained unchanged last month, defying expectations that they would drop and heaping further pressure on households.
The Office for National Statistics said Consumer Prices Index inflation (CPI) remained at 8.7% in May, the same as it had been in April.
READ MORE: Early signs that food inflation is starting to ease
The ONS said rising prices for plane tickets, recreational and cultural goods and services and second-hand cars added the most to inflation.
Annual inflation was little changed in May 2023.
▪️ Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) rose by 7.9% in the 12 months to May 2023, up from 7.8% in Apr.
▪️ Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 8.7%, unchanged from Apr.
➡️ https://t.co/iwxGmxnuD0 pic.twitter.com/GdeEbAt7il
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) June 21, 2023
Costs for motor fuel fell, the ONS said, putting the biggest downward pressures on inflation.
READ MORE: Tesco chief defends grocery pricing as inflation squeezes households
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “After last month’s fall, annual inflation was little changed in May and remains at a historically high level.
“The cost of air fares rose by more than a year ago and is at a higher level than usual for May.
“Rising prices for second-hand cars, live music events and computer games also contributed to inflation remaining high.”
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