Britain's consumer price inflation (CPI) rate remained unchanged at 2.7 percent for the fourth consecutive month in January, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on Tuesday.

Rises in alcohol and tobacco prices were the biggest driving forces, while clothing and footwear saw slower price rises, the ONS said.

Alcohol and tobacco prices in January rose 8.5 percent on the year, and were also up 4.3 percent from December, as Christmas sales finished.

Meanwhile, clothing and footwear prices went up only 0.2 percent on the year and fell 5.4 percent from December as their sales continued in January.

The retail prices inflation index rose to 3.3 percent in January from 3.1 percent in December.

The ONS said the CPI rate had now remained unchanged for the longest period since records began in 1996.