Fuel prices push UK inflation to 3.2%

Britons were hit with another above-target hike in the cost of living last month as sharp rises in fuel prices sent inflation to 3.2%, official figures revealed today.

The increase in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) – up from 3.1% in September - has forced Bank of England Governor Mervyn King to write another letter to the Chancellor explaining why inflation is so far above the 2% target.