The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.1% in the March 2022 quarter and 5.1% annually, according to the latest data from the ABS.
This rise is largest quarterly and annual rise since the introduction of the goods and services tax (GST) according to the ABS.
The most significant contributors to the rise in the March quarter CPI were new dwellings (+5.7%), automotive fuel (+11.0%) and tertiary education (+6.3%).
Annual trimmed mean inflation increased to 3.7%, up from 2.6% in the December quarter, placing it well above the Reserve Bank's target of 2-3% needed for a cash rate hike.
ABS' Head of Prices Statistics Michelle Marquardt said continued shortages of building supplies and labour, heightened freight costs and ongoing strong demand contributed to price rises for newly built dwellings.
"Fewer grant payments made this quarter from the Federal Government's HomeBuilder program and similar state-based housing construction programs also contributed to the rise," she said.
"The CPI's automotive fuel series reached a record level for the third consecutive quarter, with fuel price rises seen across all three months of the March quarter."
The Reserve Bank's next monetary policy meeting will be held next Tuesday 3 May.
Inflation jumps ahead of expectations
Last week Westpac economists forecast a headline annualised inflation rate of 4.9%, and trimmed mean inflation of 3.4%.
Underlying or trimmed mean inflation refers to the headline figure with some seasonal or short term price impacts taken out of the equation.
"Our analysis of the distribution of seasonally adjusted prices highlights a large share price increases concentrating around the trimmed mean with few significant negatives to trim," Westpac economists said.
"Inflation defies expectations, climbs to 5.1%" was originally published on Savings.com.au and was republished with permission.