UK inflation rises after Iran war pushes up fuel prices

The UK inflation rate rose by 3.3% in the year to March, driven by the jump in petrol and diesel prices caused by the US-Israel war with Iran.

The increase in the pace of price rises – up from 3% in the year to February – was in line with economists' expectations.

The Office for National Statistics said the rise was "largely due to increased fuel prices", while air fares also contributed.

The figures provide the first official look at the impact of the Middle East conflict on the cost of living in the UK.