2026“Inflation holding steady in February will bring little real relief for households or Bank of England policymakers. Mortgage costs have risen on higher inflation expectations [2], while food [3], heating and transport bills remain highly exposed to volatile oil and gas prices. Petrol prices have risen sharply, and businesses are already reporting higher costs for energy, transport, fertiliser and other inputs, some of which will likely feed into the March figures. While oil and gas companies’ profits will likely rise, families will foot the bill through higher shopping and energy bills with inflation at risk of climbing back above 4% later this year if oil and gas prices remain elevated. 2026 is shaping up to be another year in which conflict and climate risks become a costly reality.”

Source: The Guardian March 25, 2026 15:16 UTC