LONDON — U.K. inflation came in at an annual 6.2% in February, its highest since March 1992, as soaring food and energy costs continue to deepen the country’s cost of living crisis.
February’s Consumer Price Index print was above consensus expectations among economists polled by Refinitiv for a 5.9% annual figure, and vastly outstripped January’s previous 30-year high of 5.5%.
On a monthly basis, CPI inflation was 0.8%, exceeding expectations for a 0.6% rise.
The Bank of England has hiked interest rates at three consecutive monetary policy meetings as it looks to contain runaway inflation without stomping out economic growth.
The Monetary Policy Committee delivered a more dovish tone than expected by the market last week, highlighting the squeeze on household incomes amid a sharp rise in commodity prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
