Inflation in the U.K. dropped modestly in May as a drop in air fares and transport costs were largely offset by rising food prices, particularly chocolate.

By Andy Bruce and William Schomberg (Reuters) -British inflation cooled in May as expected by the Bank of England, which is set to keep interest rates on hold this week while it assesses international energy markets rocked by escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The largest downward contribution came from transport while upward contributions came from food, and furniture and household goods, the ONS said.