Inflation holds at 3% in ‘calm before the storm’ of Iran war

While inflation was steady at 3% in February, it is predicted to increase later this year (Ben Birchall/PA) - (PA Archive)

UK inflation held steady at 3% in February before the impact of an energy shock linked to war in the Middle East, official figures have revealed.

Economists have said data showing flatlining inflation highlights “the calm before the storm”, with inflation expected to accelerate again in the coming months.