Falling prices for petrol and diesel led to the largest downward contribution to the monthly change in CPI, while food prices rose in June 2023 but by less than in June 2022, also leading to an easing in the rates.

The easing in the annual inflation rates in June 2023 principally reflected price changes in the transport sector, particularly for motor fuels. There were also notable downward effects from food and non-alcoholic beverages, furniture and household goods, and restaurants and hotels, the Office for National Statistics said.

Annual food inflation was 17.4% and although the price of milk, cheese and eggs fell in the last month, chocolate, sugar and soft drink prices increased.