Annual inflation in the UK rose more than expected in April. Energy and water bills saw a sharp increase, according to official data.

The consumer price index rose to 3.5% last month, up from 2.6% in March, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. Analysts had forecast a rise to 3.3%.

At 3.5%, core inflation is the highest since early 2024.

Regulators in the United Kingdom have allowed private companies to increase household bills from April, taking into account changes in the oil and gas markets and indebted water suppliers.

However, analysts expect energy bills to fall from July after oil prices fell sharply following US President Donald Trump's tariff measures.

In April, businesses were further hit by tax increases and a rise in the minimum wage, which came into effect last month after being introduced by the Labour government following its election victory in July, which ended 14 years of Conservative rule. | BGNES, AFP