UK Inflation Sticks at 6.7% Despite Forecasts of Fall, Challenging Sunak's Pledge to Halve Rate by Year's End

Inflation unchanged at 6.7% in September, defying forecasts of a fall and casting doubt over Sunak's pledge to halve it by end of year
Rise in petrol prices from increased oil output offset fall in food prices, keeping inflation steady
Food prices still vulnerable to outside forces as UK relies heavily on imports
Services inflation climbed to 6.9% in September, worrying sign as it tends to be more persistent
Interest rates may have to rise again in 2023 if inflation remains sticky, jeopardizing Sunak's wider economic goals