Consumer inflation rose to 2.5 per cent in February, its highest level for nine months, as rising gas and electricity prices pushed inflation upwards.

Price rises for alcohol and cigarettes contributed to the inflation increase, but non-alcoholic drinks and food, particularly fruit and vegetables, helped offset the hikes.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics Retail Prices Index (RPI) showed inflation was 4.1 per cent in February, which was no change from January. RPIX inflation, which is RPI minus mortgage interest payments, was 3.7 per cent in February, up from 3.4 per cent in January.

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