Inflation the same, as food and drink up

UK INFLATION remained unchanged last month, but food and drink price rises have accelerated for the fifth month in a row, new official figures show.

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The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was 3.8% in August, the same as July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

This was the level that most economists had been expecting for the month, and it means overall inflation remains elevated above the UK's 2% target rate.

Air fares coming down after a spike the previous month helped offset petrol and diesel prices rising in August, the ONS said.