Inflation could rise to 5.1%

INFLATION could hit a seven-year high this year, as the latest figures reveal a hike in air fares, petrol prices and home-heating oil pushed it to 5% last month.

This is up from 4.9% in May and 3.7% over the same period last year.

Economists said yesterday it could now hit 5.1% by year end, which would be the highest since 2000.