The central bank said in a press release on Thursday that inflationary pressures have “significantly increased” in recent weeks.
This largely reflects the nearly doubling of wholesale gas prices since May due to Russia’s curtailment of gas supplies to Europe and the risk of further restrictions.
The Bank of England also predicts that inflation will top 13% in the fall, when electricity bills are due to rise, and “remains at very high levels for most of 2023.”
But the Resolution Foundation think tank said Wednesday that it expects the cost of energy to drive consumer prices above 15% next year.
Global natural gas prices began to rise last year as the global economy reopened after the pandemic, resulting in a surge in demand. Soaring costs have affected consumer prices.
According to a new report from consultancy BFY Group, average electricity bills in the United Kingdom could top £500 ($613) in January alone.
Poverty fighters have been sounding the alarm for months now.
According to a June report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, about two-thirds of all low-income families were left without basic necessities like heating or showers this year.