Food prices rise at fastest rate since 2008 recession
Experts say we can expect this level of inflation to be with us for the next six months
This August, the price of food rose at its fastest rate since 2008 according to recent figures the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ index.
This month's figures also mark the highest record of inflation since the index started in 2005.
This has been caused by food inflation accelerating to 9.3%, up from 7% last month - the highest rate since 2008.
Fresh food prices also jumped to 10.5%, up from 8% in July, with products such as milk and margarine seeing the biggest rises.
These two increases meant that overall, shop price annual inflation surged to 5.1% this month, up from 4.4% in July,
All these rises are contributing to a wider UK inflation, also caused by the rising cost of fuel, which some analysts are predicting could top 18% in 2023.
If you need advice on energy bills, debt or using a food bank, Citizens Advice have encouraged consumers to get in touch on their website or by calling 0808 223 1133.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: "The situation is bleak for both consumers and retailers, but retail businesses will remain committed to supporting their customers through offering discounts to vulnerable groups, expanding value ranges, fixing prices of essentials, and raising staff pay.
"However, as retailers also grapple with growing cost pressures, there is only so much they can shoulder.
"The new prime minister will have an opportunity to relieve some of the cost burden bearing down on retailers, like the upcoming increase in business rates, in order to help retailers do more to help their customers."
Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business insight at NielsenIQ, said: "Inflation continues to accelerate and shoppers are already cautious about how much they spend on groceries, with a fall in volume sales at supermarkets in recent months.
"We can expect this level of food inflation to be with us for at least another six months but hopefully some of the input cost pressures in the supply chain will eventually start to ease.
"However, with further falls in disposable incomes coming this autumn as energy costs rocket again, retail spend will come under pressure in the all-important final quarter of the year."
How the cost of living crisis is affecting you:
Interest rates and inflation go up
Inflation rose by 8.8% in the 12 months to January 2023, down from 9.2% in December 2022. With interest rates also rising to 4%, those saving money will earn more interest on their finances, whilst those paying mortgages would pay more interest to the bank.
Energy bills
The price of energy went up incredibly as the cost of living crisis hit, with the gas price spike caused largely by the war in Ukraine. The price cap - which is set by an independent regulator to help offset costs onto customers - was set to rise to £3,549 for an average home in October but a price freeze from the government restricted the typical bill to £2,500. That's still an increase of 27% from the previous energy cap and as it's a cap on unit cost, the more energy you use the higher your bill will be.
Food prices
The cost of a weekly shop also has gone up as a result of the cost of living crisis. As a result of the war in Ukraine, a number of products including cooking oils and wheat have been disrupted. This means that several products are now considerably more expensive, driving bills up for customers.
Prices at the pumps
The average cost of petrol has also rose to unprecedented levels. Supply lines for petrol have been thrown into doubt as a result of the war in Ukraine, as Russia is a large export partner for gas, oil and fuel. In April 2022, the average price for a litre of petrol on the forecourt was 160.2p, whilst a litre of diesel would cost 170.5p. By late June 2022 the price had risen to an average of 190.9p for a litre of unleaded and 198.9p for a litre of diesel. In March 2023 the price wass on average of 147.03 in petrol and 167.04 in diesel.
Average cost of filling up a car with petrol hits £100
On 9th June 2022, the average cost of filling up a car with petrol hit £100 for the first time ever. Diesel had already hit that milestone. It comes as the cost of fuel hit a record high of one pound eighty a litre. The 2p rise was the biggest daily jump in 17 years. Prices have dropped by at least 20p per litre since the high point.