UK consumer price inflation climbed to 3.1% in August, driven by surging fuel costs and airfares, raising pressure on the Bank of England ahead of its rate decision.

UK inflation has climbed to 3.1% due to surging fuel and transport costs driven by Middle East tensions, heaping fresh financial pressure on households.

UK inflation climbed to 2.9% in July following a sharp increase in household energy bills driven by Ofgem's price cap adjustment.

The Consumer Prices Index remained unchanged in May, as cooling grocery costs were balanced by sharp hikes in transport prices. Experts are now monitoring the Bank of England's next interest rate decision amid energy price uncertainty.