Inflation hits 3.1% with fears of worse to come from Middle East chaos

The headline CPI inflation rate was 3.1 per cent in August, up from 2.9 per cent the previous month.

Inflation hits 3.1% with fears of worse to come from Middle East chaos

TL;DR

  • Headline CPI inflation rate reached 3.1% in the year to August, up from 2.9% in the previous month.
  • Rising oil costs, with Brent Crude at $108 a barrel, are contributing to price increases.
  • Diesel prices are at a four-year high, and energy bills may rise by a quarter in January.
  • Analysts predict CPI could reach 4% next year, with markets anticipating interest rate increases.
  • The jobs market has weakened, with payroll numbers falling and job vacancies declining.
  • Private sector regular wage growth of 2.9% is barely keeping pace with inflation.
  • The Government points to global uncertainty from the Middle East crisis impacting inflation worldwide.
  • Opposition criticizes the current government's policies for contributing to rising costs.