The Huffington Post
President Donald Trump departs after speaking at an event for NCAA national champions in the State Dining Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Washington. Donald Trump’s decision to go to war in Iran has sent fuel prices soaring and is pushing up inflation , new figures have revealed. Data released by the Office for National Statistics showed that inflation hit 3.3% in March, up from 3% the month before. That was driven almost entirely by higher prices at the pumps, with motor fuel costs increasing by a staggering 8.7% as the war led to a spike in the cost of a barrel of oil. The figures raise the prospect of interest rate rises later in the year and are a massive blow to the government as it tries to tackle the cost of living crisis. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “This is not our war, but it is pushing up bills for families and businesses. That’s why it’s my number one priority to keep costs down.” Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden painted an even gloomier picture on BBC Breakfast, warning that food prices are also likely to rise considerably if the war continues. He said: “At the beginning of the year, inflation was projected to fall and indeed interest rates were also projected to fall. “But of course since the beginning of the year we’ve had this war in Iran and we are feeling the consequences of that and, I’ve got to be honest with the viewers, we’ll feel more consequences of that as the months play out. “The initial consequence is a spike in oil and gas prices. That affects energy prices as a whole, and energy prices affect the price of many other things, such as production of food and so on. “The government will do everything we can to help the country through this period, but the inflation effects we are seeing are as a result of decisions we didn’t take in a war that the prime minister and the government have not been part of. “The UK, like other countries, can’t escape the consequences of what is happening in the Middle East.” Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said: “The conflict in the Middle East is increasing inflation – but Labour’s choices have made everything worse and made our economy vulnerable.” Subscribe to Commons People , the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Trump Extends Ceasefire In Iran War To Allow More Peace Talks Trump Throws Temper Tantrum Over 'Rigged' Poll Numbers And Iran War Backlash Eight Weeks In, Trump May Be Headed Toward An Iran Deal Similar To Obama’s
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