Inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index (CPI), was up sharply to 4.5% in April from 4% the previous month.

The Office for National Statistics said that air transport, alcohol and tobacco and gas were the most significant drivers behind the increase in annual inflation between March and April.

The main downward pressures to annual inflation came from petrol and diesel, miscellaneous goods and services, clothing and footwear and communication.

Annual inflation as recorded by the retail prices index (RPI) stands at 5.2% in April, down from 5.3% in March.

The timing of Easter 2011 had a significant impact on these data, the ONS said.

Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said: “Further increases are likely in coming months