Alex McCurthy
The UK’s annual inflation rate for September surprised economists by maintaining its level at 6.7%. This unexpected steadiness was driven by soaring fuel costs, which countered the first monthly drop in food prices in two years. The Office for National Statistics compiled this data using the Consumer Prices Index, delving into individual goods and services to provide a comprehensive view of the market. Let’s examine the percentage changes in the average prices of everyday items over the past year.
Food:
- Sugar: 59.3%
- Olive oil: 47.4%
- Sauces and condiments: 29%
- Pasta products and couscous: 18.8%
- Eggs: 18.1%
- Pork: 16.7%
- Vegetables: 14.4%
- Cheese and curd: 13.4%
- Ready-made meals: 10.4%
- Fish: 8.7%
- Bread: 8%
- Fruit: 6.2%
- Jams, marmalades, and honey: 5.1%
- Low-fat milk: 3.2%
- Whole milk: -0.5%
- Butter: -2.5%
Drinks:
- Cocoa and powdered chocolate: 24.5%
- Tea: 12.5%
- Fruit and vegetable juices: 11.5%
- Mineral or spring waters: 10.7%
- Soft drinks: 9.9%
- Coffee: 7.6%
- Beer: 13.9%
- Spirits: 10.5%
- Wine: 10%
Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels:
- Electricity: 6.7%
- Solid fuels: 4.1%
- Gas: 1.7%
- Liquid fuels: -19.8%
Clothing and Shoes:
- Repair and hire of clothes: 9.9%
- Garments for infants and children: 9%
- Garments for women: 7.6%
- Garments for men: 7%
- Footwear for women: 6.9%
- Footwear for infants: 6.6%
- Footwear for men: 4.7%
Household Items and Furniture:
- Carpets and rugs: 10.7%
- Cookers: 7.5%
- Garden furniture: 5.1%
- Lighting equipment: 3.6%
- Household furniture: 3.4%
- Bed linen: 3.3%
- Refrigerators, freezers, and fridge-freezers: 2%
Vehicles and Passenger Transport:
- By air: 14.9%
- By sea and inland waterway: 11.5%
- By bus and coach: 6.7%
- By train: 6.4%
- New cars: 4%
- Bicycles: 1%
- Secondhand cars: -1.2%
- Motorcycles: -3.1%
- Diesel: -13.4%
- Petrol: -7.7%
Hospitality and Recreation:
- Holiday centres, campsites, and youth hostels: 14.7%
- Fast food and takeaway food services: 9.3%
- Restaurants and cafes: 9.1%
- Hotels and motels: 8.6%
- Museums: 7.6%
- Cinemas, theatres, and concerts: 3.3%
- Veterinary and other services for pets: 12.5%
- Games, toys, and hobbies: 10.2%
- Garden products: 8.7%
- Products for pets: 7.4%
These figures shed light on the challenges faced by consumers as prices continue to fluctuate across essential and non-essential categories, affecting household budgets and spending habits. Experts are closely monitoring these changes, emphasizing the importance of fiscal policies to mitigate the impact of inflation on everyday lives.
