This is the highest rate of CPI inflation since March 2012.
CPIH, which the ONS are now using as their headline measure and which includes owner occupiers’ housing costs, was 2.8% in November, unchanged from the previous month.
The largest upward contribution to change in both the CPIH and CPI rates came from air fares which fell between October and November but by less than a year ago.
Rising prices for a range of recreational and cultural goods and services, most notably computer games, also had an upward effect.
Jacob Deppe, Head of Trading at online trading platform, Infinox, commented: “November's rise in Consumer Price Inflation to 3.1% will have taken many by surprise as most forecasts had expected inflation to hold steady at 3%, as it did in October.
"While the increase is only slight, there will now be some concern over whether inflation has peaked or whether it will continue to rise into next year.
“With the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting later this week the inflation figure may mean a small increase in pressure for a further interest rate rise. It will, after all, be the first time the Governor of the Bank has had to write a letter to the Chancellor since March 2012.
"But, the Bank is unlikely to be bounced into a decision to hike rates just yet and will likely view a ‘do nothing’ approach to be in the economy’s best interests right now.
“Higher interest rates at this time may be seen as an unnecessary burden given inflation is forecast to fall back towards target during 2018, while economic growth is expected to be weak compared to its long term average and sterling mounting, an admittedly sluggish, comeback.
“And there are now some analysts who believe there may not be another interest rate hike until late 2019. But as always, the elephant in the room remains Brexit and its ability to turn everything on its head.”
Alistair Wilson, Head of Retail Platform Strategy at Zurich, added: “Higher inflation is putting further strain on family finances as we approach what is already the most expensive time of the year, and it looks set to remain above the rate of wage growth as we move into 2018.
"While there are positive signs that a pay rise may be around the corner for Britain’s workers, with the recent Budget promising an above-inflation pay rise in the New Year for those on the minimum wage, it can be all too easy for this to fall away on daily spending rather than make a difference in the long-run."
