Stories

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 Watch: How oil and gas prices are pushing up the cost of living

From fuel to mortgages, the BBC looks at how oil and gas prices could push up the cost of living.

* Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% despite expectations they could be cut, warning that inflation may rise.
* UK mortgage lenders raise rates ahead of decision, increasing costs for borrowers.
* Petrol prices hit an 18-month high and diesel prices increase by over 20p since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.
* Office for Budget Responsibility publishes report early in error ahead of Chancellor's Budget.
* Almost half of household electricity customers in Northern Ireland have never switched from largest supplier, Power NI.
* US-UK trade war looms as Prime Minister warns against tariffs, but S&P 500 index soars after days of turmoil.
* BBC Verify examines how Chancellor stuck to fiscal rules despite borrowing costs jumping.
* Entrepreneurs take their cleaning firm to new heights with unusual side hustle.
* Ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells speaks out about wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters for the first time in 10 years.
* Spirit AeroSystems supplied Boeing with faulty parts, former quality inspector claims.
* Beauty entrepreneurs build up Liverpool-based business from scratch.