According to the Office for National Statistics of the UK, in May consumer prices jumped by 9.1% compared to the same month last year. As a result, inflation in the country accelerated to the highest in more than 40 years. The current indicator coincided with analysts' forecasts. In April, the annual inflation rate was recorded at 9%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices in May rose by 0.7% compared to last month after a jump of 2.5% in April. Experts expected an average increase of 0.6%. Analysts note that the increase in inflationary pressure in the UK is mainly due to higher prices for food and energy, including electricity, gas and gasoline. Prices excluding food, alcohol, tobacco and energy (core inflation, CPI Core) in May increased by 5.9% in annual terms and by 0.5% monthly. In April, their growth was 6.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Retail prices (RPI index) soared by 11.7% year-on-year after rising by 11.1% a month earlier. It is worth noting that it is the RPI index that is used by British employers when negotiating salaries.
