Inflation Steady at 3%, but Storm Looms

0:00On March 25, inflation states steady at 3% in February, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, that's the same rate as in January, right on track, with what economists had predicted for the consumer price's index. This calm snapshot doesn't yet capture the energy price spikes from the conflict in the Middle East, which kicked off at the very end of the month. Oil and gas costs have surged since then, and shipping disruptions could push other goods prices higher too. Economists are calling it the calm before the storm, warning that inflation might climb as high as 4% by the third quarter of 20. 26. If energy costs? Keep rising. Digging into the details, clothing prices gave inflation a boost after dropping a year ago, while falling petrol costs before the conflict held it. Back. Services inflation also eased a bit to 4.3%, the lowest in nearly four years, and alcohol and tobacco prices rose more slowly. As these pressures build, we'll keep watching how the Middle East tensions ripple through

1:02everyday costs in the months ahead.