UK inflation rises to 9.1%, its highest rate in 40 years

Headline CPI rate will add to cost of living crisis, fuelled by rises in food and transport costs

If UK inflation feels bad now, the grim news is worse is on the way

UK inflation has increased to 9.1%, its highest rate in 40 years amid record prices for petrol and the soaring cost of food.

The figures from the Office for National Statistics showed an increase in May from 9% in April, as measured by the consumer price index, in a reading that matched the forecasts of City economists. In a fresh high, the headline inflation rate has hit a level not seen since February 1982, piling pressure on households in the cost of living crisis.