Prices rose more slowly in April but the cost of living remains high and could still get worse before it gets better

Most economists think the rate of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation slowed to 3% in April, from 3.3% in March.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected the inflation rate to drop back to 3%, cooling from 3.3% in March.

The main upwards pressure on inflation last month was a sharp rise in the cost of fuel.