Food inflation in the UK surged to a record high last month while shop prices eased slightly, according to data from the BRC-NielsenIQ shop price index.
There was continued pressure on consumer finances as food prices soared to 15.7 per cent.
Overall, inflation did slow last month due to spring discounting at fashion and furniture stores.
According to the latest figures, shop prices were 8.8 per cent higher in April compared with the same month a year ago, easing slightly from 8.9 per cent in March.
It came as non-food stores recorded inflation of 5.5 per cent for the month, slipping from 5.9 per cent in March as shops reduced prices in a bid to attract customers.
This fall offset the jump in food inflation to 15.7 per cent from 15 per cent in March.
Fresh food prices increased by a record 17.8 per cent year-on-year for the month, while the price of ambient products, such as tinned goods and other store-cupboard items, increased 12.9 per cent.
Inflation around the world — in pictures
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People queue to buy wheat flour at government-controlled prices in Islamabad. Pakistan's economy has been hit hard by a political crisis, as well as devastating floods and the global energy crisis, with the rupee plummeting and inflation at decades-high levels. AFP -
A market in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil's inflation ended 2022 with a sharp slowdown from double-digit peaks seen throughout the year. Reuters -
A market in Istanbul. Turkey's inflation at the end of 2022 stood at 64. 27 per cent, the country's Statistical Institute said, while the independent group of inflation researchers ENAG calculated it at 137. 55 per cent. EPA -
A Walmart in New Jersey. According to a poll, US Republicans and Democrats have distinct views of what’s most important for the government to address amid high inflation. More Republicans name gas and food prices, energy and immigration, while Democrats focus on health care, climate change and poverty. AP -
A used car sales lot in California. US Federal Reserve officials have indicated it’s possibly too early to declare victory over inflation. AFP -
A person walks by a sign showing interest rates at a bank in New York. EPA -
A woman walks with purchases past a store in Berlin. In December, consumer price growth across the Euro zone slowed to 9.2 per cent from 10.1 per cent a month earlier, Eurostat data showed last week. AP -
Workers sit in front of a banner reading "Stop the Inflation Monster" at the Burchardkai Container Terminal as they go on strike for higher wages at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany. Reuters -
Price tags at a market in Nice, France. Reuters -
Commuters cross Waterloo Bridge in London. The British Retail Consortium said spending in store chains rose by 6.9 per cent in annual terms in December, but this was a long way off consumer price inflation, which hit 10.7 per cent in November. Reuters -
Jobseekers in Johannesburg. South Africa’s governing party wants the central bank’s mandate broadened to shore up the economy and promote employment in addition to its existing task of tackling inflation. Reuters -
Social grant recipients stand in a queue outside a post office, as joblessness takes its toll in Meadowlands, South Africa. Reuters
“Overall shop price inflation eased slightly in April due to heavy spring discounting in clothing, footwear, and furniture," Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said.
“However, food prices remained elevated given continuing cost pressures throughout the supply chain.
“The knock-on effect from increased production and packaging costs meant that ready meals became more expensive and coffee prices were also up due to the high cost of coffee beans, as well as key producer nations exporting less.
“Meanwhile, the price of butter and vegetable oils started to come down as retailers passed on cost savings from further up the supply chain.”
Ms Dickinson added that shoppers “should start to see food prices come down in the coming months” amid reductions in wholesale prices and other costs.
“In recent weeks, more retailers have used loyalty schemes or money off promotions to help stimulate sales," Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ, said.
“However, with inflation yet to peak and sales volumes in decline in many channels, it’s difficult to second guess the strength of consumer confidence.”
