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UK inflation rate falls to 2.7% in August | UK inflation rate falls to 2.7% in August |
(35 minutes later) | |
UK inflation measured by the consumer prices index (CPI) fell to 2.7% in the year to August, from 2.8% in July. | |
It means prices are still rising faster than wages, which rose by 1.0% on average over the same period. | It means prices are still rising faster than wages, which rose by 1.0% on average over the same period. |
The Office for National Statistics said the drop was due to air fares, petrol and diesel, and clothing prices rising more slowly than in August 2012. | |
Inflation as measured by the retail prices index (RPI) rose to 3.3% in August from 3.1% in July. | |
CPI is important because it is the measure targeted by the Bank of England's interest rate-setters, while the RPI is used for annual adjustments in some benefits and rail fares. | |
The Bank targets CPI inflation of 2%, but is currently holding off raising interest rates to control inflation because the unemployment rate is too high. | |
While petrol prices rose by an average of 2p per litre in August, that was still slower than the 3.5p they had risen in August 2012. | |
One of the biggest upward pressures on inflation was the household equipment category, including an 18% annual increase in the price of electric fans. |