emirates7 - UK inflation has jumped to its highest rate since March after energy prices were pushed up, according to official figures on Wednesday.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said consumer price index (CPI) inflation rose to 2.9 percent in July, up from a 15-month low of 2.6 percent in June.

The increase followed a 13 percent hike in Ofgem's energy price cap last month, which increased the average gas and electricity bill by £221 ($300) to £1,862 a year.