LONDON (AFP) - British inflation picked up to an annual rate of 1.2 percent in October from a six-month low of 1.1 percent recorded in September as petrol prices at the pump rose, official figures showed.
The National Statistics Office said that the consumer price index rose by 0.3 percent in October from September.
The figures were in line with market expectations.
The rise in the year-on-year rate was the first for four months, but still left inflation well below the 2.0-percent target the Bank of England is tasked to meet.
If inflation falls below 1.0 percent, then the central bank's governor Mervyn King must write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, explaining the decline.
The statistics office said that the largest upward effect on the consumer price index came from rising energy prices.
Electricity, gas and other fuels rose 1.8 percent from the previous month for a 8.7 percent annual increase.
The statistics office said rising crude oil prices contributed to a two pence per litre increase in the average price of unleaded petrol -- or gasoline -- and diesel in October.
Additionally, rises in gas and electricity tariffs announced by a number of major suppliers led to a rise in average household heating bills during the month.
11/16/2004 - 11:07 GMT - AFP