These are the key things that are making the cost of living more expensive

Food, consumer goods and energy are among the main factors driving up inflation in the UK, according to the latest data.

Figures from Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 6.2% in February, hitting the highest level since March 1992, when it stood at 7.1%.

When housing was included (CPIH) the figure was 5.5%.

Making his spring statement to parliament, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said inflation was forecast to average 7.4% this year due to “disruptions to global supply chains and energy markets, combined with the economic response to (Vladimir) Putin’s aggression”.

In a significant policy intervention, he announced the national insurance contributions (Nics) threshold would rise by £3,000.

This will offset the planned rise in the rate of national insurance for those earning £35,000 or less, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and help with the cost of living crisis.

Read more: 3 charts that explain the UK's cost of living crisis

What's driving up inflation?

The ONS lists several reasons for rising inflation, including the increase in the price of food, durables, consumer goods and energy.

Food prices have picked up as the global supply chain disruption and inflation pressures have begun to feed down to the supermarket shelves, with prices rising on a range of staple goods.

The ONS adds energy, motor fuels and used cars have contributed to the increase, with higher business costs also leading companies to increase their prices.

Read more: 'Woefully out of touch': The group of people ignored by Rishi Sunak’s spring statement

What is going up in price fastest?

Transport

Some of the biggest price rises in recent months have been seen at the fuel pumps, with the ONS revealing that average petrol prices hit a fresh record of 147.6p a litre in February, compared with 120.2p a litre a year earlier.

Average diesel prices were likewise the highest ever recorded last month, at 151.7p a litre.

Rail fares in England and Wales also saw the biggest jump in almost 10 years and London’s Tube and bus prices increased around 5% on 1 March.

Furniture

Inflation on furniture has risen sharply from 0.8% to 8.9% over the past year.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said: “Furniture and flooring also contributed to the rise in inflation as prices started to recover following new year sales.”

Clothing

Clothing and footwear was another category that suffered soaring inflation, with a record rise of 8.9% on the CPI measure, and some of the biggest rises seen across womenswear, particularly trousers, dresses, short-sleeved tops and blouses, skirts, jeans and jumpers.

Women’s outerwear was up by 27.7% on the RPI measure, according to the ONS.

Watch: Spring Statement: What it means for your finances

Food and non-alcoholic drinks

Food and non-alcoholic drinks saw inflation hit 5.1%, its highest level since September 2011.

A detailed look at the ONS data shows that among food prices rising the most, lamb continues to be high on the list, with annual Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation of 12.4% last month.

Fresh milk prices have also raced higher, up 10.1%, with a 7.4% rise for eggs, while processed vegetables and jams and sugar saw rises of 13% and 12.4% respectively.

Coffee and other hot drinks have seen prices rise by 11.5%, while the cost of tea has increased by 2.8%.

There were also large rises for mineral waters, soft drinks and juices, according to the ONS.

Alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco prices have also risen since last year to 3.5%.