The UK’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate stayed at 8.7 percent in May, the same level as in April.
Experts had forecast a fall to 8.4 percent, but inflation has proved more stubborn than expected.
The inflation figure, which the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said is still at “a historically high level,” is likely to put more pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates further.
It is also likely to pile even more pressure on mortgage-holders as rates are already at close to 15-year highs.
Stubborn Inflation
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “After last month’s fall, annual inflation was little changed in May and remains at a historically high level….