India, April 23 -- Inflation in the UK climbed in March after a sharp jump in prices at the petrol pump in the wake of the disruption to energy supplies caused by the Iran war, official figures showed on Wednesday.

The annual consumer price inflation rate increased to a three-month high of 3.3 per cent, from 3 per cent the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics. The rise was in line with market expectations.

The main reason behind the inflation spike was higher motor fuel, which increased by a monthly 8.7 per cent - the largest increase since June 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Airfares and food prices, both related to the spike in energy prices, were also higher.

Treasury chief Rachel Re...