The United Kingdom’s inflation rate has slowed for the second consecutive month, offering temporary relief to consumers, according to official data. In March, prices rose by an annual rate of 2.6%, a significant improvement from the peak of 11% recorded in 2022.

The dip has been driven by falling petrol prices and cheaper toys, with food prices holding steady — a welcome break for drivers, parents, and shoppers alike.

However, experts warn that the current figures may represent only a brief period of calm. Analysts are cautious, calling this moment the “calm before a storm,” with several economic factors poised to drive inflation back up in the near future.

While precise predictions remain challenging, three key areas — energy costs, wage growth pressures, and global supply chain disruptions — are being closely monitored as potential triggers for a renewed rise in prices.

Consumers are advised to stay vigilant as the economic landscape continues to evolve through 2025.