Mubasher: The UK’s consumer price index (CPI), the headline gauge for the country’s inflation, edged up to 2.1% year-on-year in April, from 1.9% in March, official data showed on Wednesday.

The rate rose mainly due to a surge in prices for energy products fuels and airfares, which climbed by the timing of Easter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

However, the gain was partially offset by a fall across a slew of recreational and cultural goods, including computer games and package holidays.

The price index, covering the costs of owner occupiers’ housing, (CPIH) 12-month rate, went up to 2% last April, compared with 1.8% seen in the previous month.

By 9:00 am GMT, the GBP/USD pair went down by 0.34% to $1.2663, while the EUR/GBP pair climbed by 0.33% to GBP 0.8813.