UK shop price inflation hits highest since September 2011

Experts warn the full effects of the Ukraine crisis on the cost of living is yet to be seen

British shop price inflation has hit its highest in more than 10 years, and will climb further. PA

UK shop price inflation has hit its highest rate since September 2011 amid warnings to consumers that the full effects of mounting costs are yet to be seen.

Annual inflation accelerated to 2.1 per cent in March, up from 1.8 per cent in February — the highest rate in more than a decade, according to the BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index.

Food inflation jumped to 3.3 per cent, its highest rate since March 2013, while non-food inflation reached 1.5 per cent in March, up from 1.3 per cent in February and its top rate since February 2011.

It was the fifth consecutive month of rising prices amid mounting cost pressures throughout the supply chain, including rising wages, input costs, global commodity prices, energy and transport.

The British Retail Consortium said many of these costs were starting to be exacerbated by the situation in Ukraine but the full effect on prices was yet to be seen.

Wheat prices have risen sharply while the increase in oil prices has not only affected the cost of domestic energy but also fertiliser and transporting goods.

A pedestrian passes a clothing store on Regent Street in central London, UK, on March 24. Bloomberg

“Our Shop Price Index has been rising more modestly than other inflation measures as retailers were able to limit price rises on many essential goods," BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.

“By keeping the prices of key items down and expanding value ranges, retailers are trying to support customers most affected by the cost-of-living squeeze, many of whom will face higher energy prices and national insurance contributions from 1 April.

“With overall inflation likely to rise even higher, according to the Bank of England, consumers will not have an easy ride this year.

"The war in Ukraine and volatility in commodity markets is likely to further dampen consumer confidence in the coming months.”

Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ, said: “With cost-of-living increases accelerating, the next few months will be a difficult time for consumers.

“Rising food prices will start to impact what’s put in the shopping basket so supermarkets will need to adapt ranges to help shoppers manage what they spend on their weekly groceries.”