The UK rate of inflation fell to 8.7% in April  from 10.1% in March, according to the latest data from the Office of National  Statistics (ONS).
The fall has been attributed to energy price  rises slowing from their hikes in 2022.
The rate at which grocery prices rose slowed  marginally in the year to April, but at 19.1% is close to record highs.
The ONS said that while food price inflation  was still close to its recent peak, the prices of staples like bread, cereal,  fish, milk and eggs were rising slightly less quickly.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:
'The IMF  said yesterday we've acted decisively to tackle inflation but although it is  positive that it is now in single digits, food prices are still rising too  fast.
'So, as  well as helping families with around £3,000 of cost-of-living support this year  and last, we must stick resolutely to the plan to get inflation down.'
Internet  link: ONS