London: The UK's annual inflation rate held steady at 3% in February, maintaining the same level as the previous month. This figure is notable for being below market expectations of 3.5%, as revealed by official data on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, this stability marks the lowest inflation rate the UK has experienced in the past 10 months, based on information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data indicated that education costs made the most significant contribution to the monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI), with a 5.1% annual increase in February.

Following education, housing and household services saw a 4.6% rise, communication increased by 4.3%, and alcohol and tobacco prices went up by 3.6%. The data further showed that prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 3.3% annually in February, health costs rose by 3.1%, and the recreation and culture sector saw a 2.5% increase.

On a month-to-month basis, consumer prices saw a 0.4% rise in February, which was consistent with the increase recorded in January.