The rate of inflation was stuck at a 19-month high during August, official figures show, keeping pressure on households as the Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday showed the annual rate of inflation as measured by the consumer prices index remained at 3.8% last month, the same level as July and in line with expectations.
Air fares rose by less than a year ago while prices increases at restaurants and hotels, and for petrol and diesel, were higher.
The core rate of inflation, which strips out volatile energy and food costs, fell to 3.6% in August, also as forecast by economists.
The rate of food and drink inflation rose to 5.1% in August from 4.9% in July as shoppers continued to face higher prices for items at the till. This means that a supermarket shop that cost you £100 this time last year would be £105.10 now.
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said:
Vegetables, milk, cheese and fish became more expensive, while bread and cereals and oil and fats became cheaper.
