LONDON - Official figures show that inflation in the United Kingdom held steady at 2.7 per cent in the year to November as lower fuel prices helped offset higher costs for food and beverages.

The Office for National Statistics said Tuesday that prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose by 1.1 per cent since October while prices of petrol and diesel fuel dropped. Air fares also fell by 8.3 per cent since October in a traditionally slow month for travel.

Inflation had dropped to 2.2 per cent in September, nearing the official Bank of England target of around 2 per cent.

Analysts expect inflation to rise in December as higher utility charges kick in.

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