Inflation climbed at the fastest rate in 10 months in January, marking a blow to hopes for an interest rate cut by the Bank of England in March.
The consumer price index was up 3.0% year-on-year in January, up from 2.5% in December, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed.
Core inflation, excluding energy and food prices, ticked up from 3.2% to 3.7% in the meantime.
Both measures were higher than expected, with economists having on average forecast a headline rate of CPI of 2.7% and core CPI of 3.6%.
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said the jump meant prices had climbed at their fastest since March last year.
“The rise was driven by air fares not falling as much as we usually see at this time of year, partly impacted by the timing of flights over Christmas and New Year,” he said.
“After falling this time last year, the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased, particularly meat, bread and cereals.
“Private school fees were another factor, as new VAT rules meant prices rose nearly 13% this month.”