Prices in the UK increased last month despite lockdown restrictions forcing non-essential shops to shut, the BBC reports.
Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index, increased by 0.7 percent in the 12 months to January, up from December’s 0.6 percent, the Office for National Statistics said.
It came as experts warned inflation could exceed the Bank of England’s 2 percent target by the end of 2021.
Higher food costs and household goods drove prices up last month.
They pushed up prices by 0.6 percent, compared with a fall of 0.1 percent last time. Premium potato crisps and cauliflowers recorded big increases after being discounted in December, the ONS said.
Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician for economic statistics at the ONS, said household goods prices were also higher because there had been less discounting on items such as bedding or sofas.-Photo: Sky News
