Bad news for borrowers as inflation surges - adding to fears of rate pain

Australia's inflation level has surged - adding to fears of more interest rate pain for borrowers.

The monthly indicator reading showed the consumer price index soaring by 4 per cent in the year to May - up from 3.6 per cent in April. 

Headline inflation is now further above the Reserve Bank's 2 to 3 per cent target and at a new six-month high.

The bad news was delivered only a week after RBA Governor Michele Bullock confirmed a rate rise was more likely than a rate cut, with the cash rate this month left on hold at a 12-year high of 4.35 per cent. 

'Yes, the board did discuss the case for increasing interest rates at this meeting,' she told reporters.

'No, the case for a cut was not considered.'

The monthly measure of inflation is now back at the highest level since November 2023, when the Reserve Bank last raised interest rates. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data, released on Wednesday, showed petrol prices climbing by 9.3 per cent over the year, with unleaded selling for more than $2.10 a litre in capital cities.

This was ahead of insurance and financial services on 7.8 per cent and rents on 7.4 per cent.

But tobacco had the biggest increase of 13.4 per cent. 

Electricity bills were up by 6.5 per cent. 

The Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and NAB are still expecting a November rate cut but ANZ sees relief being delayed until February 2025.