Home / Business and Economy / UK Inflation Soars on Flights & Fags
UK Inflation Soars on Flights & Fags
21 Jan
Summary
- Air fares rose 11% year-on-year in December.
- Tobacco prices increased due to duty hike.
- Grocery prices like butter and tea decelerated.
The UK's inflation rate experienced a notable increase in December, with significant price hikes in air travel and tobacco products contributing to the rise, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Despite a slowdown in price increases for items such as butter and tea, consumers faced steeper costs for other goods and services. Average air fares saw a substantial year-on-year increase of 11.0% in December, contrasting sharply with a 0.3% rise in November, largely due to holiday travel demand.
Smokers also experienced higher prices, with cigarette costs climbing 6.9% year-on-year in December, an acceleration from the previous month, following a tobacco duty increase. Cultural entertainment tickets also became more expensive, rising 3.7% year-on-year.
