Inflation Eases in UK as Transport Prices Slow on May

What's happened

UK inflation has cooled to 2.8% in April-May, with air fares and transport costs driving changes. Food prices show mixed movement, while energy-linked fuel costs push petrol higher; some groceries fall. Nigeria and broader African inflation show distinct trends in May.

What's behind the headline?

Key takeaways

• Inflation has cooled in the UK but remains sensitive to transport costs, with air fares showing volatile movements.
• Food prices are mixed, with some items rising and others falling, indicating a complex foodshed.
• Nigerian inflation shows accelerated year-on-year pressure with wide regional differences in food prices.

Why it matters

• Consumers face a mixed outlook: some daily costs are easing, but energy-related and transport costs may push prices higher in the months ahead.
• Policymakers will watch transport and energy price dynamics as core drivers of near-term inflation.

How we got here

Inflation trends are shifting across regions. In the UK, price rises have cooled overall as some goods slow while transport and energy-linked costs rise; in Nigeria, inflation remains high but with regional variation, and food prices are a key driver.

Our analysis

Independent Business, Karl Matchett; All Africa; ongoing ONS data releases provide the backdrop for UK inflation trends. Direct quotes from these outlets: Independent Business notes air fares rising and transport costs driving the headline; All Africa highlights Nigeria’s inflation variance and food-price contributions.

Go deeper

• What parts of inflation are already easing for households?
• Which items remain most price-sensitive in May?
• How might regional food inflation in Nigeria affect local spending?

More on these topics

• United Kingdom - Country in Europe

  The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the north­western coast of the European mainland.

• Office for National Statistics

  The Office for National Statistics is the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, a non-ministerial department which reports directly to the UK Parliament.