Core CPI – which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco and is seen off by the BOE – in January at 5.
The annual inflation rate in the services sector, which most policymakers consider a good measure of underlying price pressures in the economy, rose to 6.6 percent from 6.0 percent in January.
Inflation in the UK increased in contrast to a 6.0 per cent decline in the US CPI rate in the 12 months to February. Euro zone inflation also eased last month but underlying price increases continued to accelerate.
Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said the data showed the expected decline in inflation could not be taken lightly.
“Falling inflation is not inevitable, so we need to stick to our plan to halve it this year,” Hunt said in a statement.
On Tuesday, he told the MPs that above 10 per cent inflation is at a dangerous level.
There were some signs of easing of further price pressures.
Prices paid by factories rose 12.7 percent in the 12 months to February, still a large increase by historical standards but their weakest increase since September 2021.
Prices charged by manufacturers rose 12.1 per cent, the weakest pace in a year.