Household bills increases behind sharp rise in inflation

Inflation rose by 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March, with significant increases in household bills behind the steep climb.

The latest figures from the ONS show that UK inflation is now at its highest rate in more than a year.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages prices rose by 3.4% in the 12 months to April 2025, up from 3.0% in the 12 months to March, with upward effect coming from meat, mineral water, bread and cereals, and sugar and jam.

Downward effects came from vegetables, and from milk, cheese and eggs.

On a monthly basis, food and non-alcoholic beverages prices rose by 0.7% in April, up from 0.3% a year before.

The rise in the monthly rate of inflation saw its largest upward contributions from housing and household services, transport, and recreation and culture, with the ONS reporting the later Easter and Easter travel having an impact, with flights departing in the Easter holidays more expensive than those outside the Easter break.

ONS Acting Director General Grant Fitzner said significant increases in household bills caused inflation to climb steeply.

“Gas and electricity bills rose this month compared with sharp falls at the same time last year due to changes to the Ofgem energy price cap,” he said.

“Water and sewerage bills also rose strongly this year as did vehicle excise duty, which all pushed the headline rate up to its highest level since the beginning of last year.

“This was partially offset by falling prices for motor fuels and clothing, driven by heavy discounting for children’s garments and women’s footwear.”