Inflation shock as cost of living spikes AGAIN – here’s what it means for you
- Inflation rose by 3.5 percent through March, compared to 3.4 percent in February
- Gasoline prices rose 8.1 percent over the year as Israel battles hostile attacks
Australians may have to wait for a rate cut as inflation starts to rise again, pushing it further above the Reserve Bank’s target as petrol prices rise.
In March, the consumer price index rose to 3.5 percent, compared to 3.4 percent in February.
This meant that headline inflation was further above the RBA’s target of 2 to 3 percent.
Gasoline prices rose 8.1 percent over the year as Israel’s war with Hamas and now Iran pushed up the price of crude oil, leading to premium unleaded sales at more than $2.20 per liter throughout Sydney.
Food is also more expensive: prices for bread and cereals rose by 7.3 percent, while financing and insurance costs rose by 8.2 percent.
However, the quarterly inflation measure showed some moderation, with the CPI rising 3.6 percent – up from 4.1 percent in December.
Australians may have to wait for a rate cut as inflation starts to rise again, pushing it further above the Reserve Bank’s target as petrol prices rise (pictured by a shopper in Sydney’s eastern suburbs)