Latest UK inflation rate to be announced

UK inflation rate rose to 3.3% in 12 months to March published at 06:30 BST The latest set of figures published on 22 April saw the UK rate of inflation rising to 3.3% in the year to March - an increase from 3% in the 12 months to February. The data, which was collected in mid-March, is thought to have been affected by higher fuel costs from the war in Iran impacting global oil prices. Figures due to be published today are expected to show an even greater impact from the Iran war. Government urges supermarkets to limit food prices published at 06:25 BST Simon Jack and Emma Simpson Business editor and business correspondent Image source, Reuters The government is urging UK supermarkets to limit food prices on key groceries such as eggs, bread and milk in return for easing regulations, the BBC understands. It is understood the Treasury asked retailers to freeze price rises on certain products in exchange for an easing of packaging policies and a potential delay to rule changes around healthy food. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents supermarkets, has said the policy would "force retailers to sell goods at a loss". A Treasury spokesperson said it wants to do more to keep costs down for families and it "will set out more detail in due course". But the BRC has dismissed the policy as "1970s style price controls" while one retailer described the idea as "crazy" and the act of a "desperate" government. Helen Dickinson, the group's chief executive, says there is already "fierce competition between supermarkets", which has driven down prices. What is inflation? published at 06:19 BST Before we get the figure here's a quick reminder of what inflation is and how we keep track of it. Inflation is the increase in the price of something over time. For example, if a bottle of milk costs £1 but is £1.05 a year later, then annual milk inflation is 5%. The prices of hundreds of everyday items, including food and fuel, are tracked by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This virtual "basket of goods" is regularly updated to reflect shopping trends, with alcohol-free beer, dashboard cameras, and pet grooming equipment among items added in 2026 , while premium bottled lager, some categories of wine and sheets of wrapping paper were removed. The ONS uses price changes in the basket of goods over the previous 12 months to calculate inflation. The main inflation measure is called the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) , external and the latest figure is published every month. Latest UK inflation rate set to be released published at 06:12 BST Jennifer Meierhans Business reporter Image source, PA Media The latest UK inflation figure, which shows how quickly prices are rising, is due to be released this morning. The official figure for March was 3.3% , and economists expect April's figure, out today, to fall to 3%. Remember, when inflation falls it means prices are rising more slowly than in previous months. Economists are predicting inflation will go back up to peak at around 3.5% to 4% this year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish the latest data at 07:00 BST, and we’ll bring you updates as well as analysis from our experts, including what it means for you and your money.