Tue, 18 Mar 2025

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 Yoga mats and VR headsets used to measure inflation

Items added and removed from the basket of goods used to calculate inflation give an insight into current fashions.

* Virtual reality headsets have been added to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) basket of goods and services used to calculate inflation.
* Yoga mats, men's sliders (pool sandals), pulled pork, mango, cushions, and air fryers are also new additions to the basket.
* Vinyl records returned to the basket after a 30-year absence, and hand sanitiser was removed due to decreased demand.
* The rising costs of these items will be reflected in the monthly inflation figures, which currently stand at 3% above last year's prices.
* The ONS reviews its basket every year to ensure it remains representative of consumer spending patterns.
* The updated basket contains 23 new items and 15 removed ones, providing insight into changing tastes, trends, and lifestyles.
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