The world this week

Business

America’s annual rate of inflation as measured by the official consumer-price index jumped again in March to 8.5%, from 7.9% in February. Inflation is being fuelled by surging energy and commodity prices. There may be some respite for consumers this month as oil prices have fallen back recently, in part because of weaker demand in China. Brent crude is trading around $100 to $105 a barrel having hurtled towards $140 in early March. Petrol prices rose by 18% in America last month, but have been in retreat in April. Britain’s annual inflation rate rose to 7%.

This article appeared in the The world this week section of the print edition under the headline “Business”

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