Rising inflation is hitting low-income households hard, but is expected to spark hikes to the OCR. 

New data -- due out from Stats NZ this morning -- is expected to show inflation has risen to between 2.6 and 2.9 percent in the year to June. 

ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner says households are facing rising energy and food prices. 

She says inflation could surpass three percent in the year to September, but the Reserve Bank isn't likely to change course. 

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