British shoppers’ purse strings may have been feeling the strain this August, with record-breaking inflation seeing prices jump by the biggest margin since records began in 1997.
Prices of goods and services rose by 3.2% in the year to August, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released last week (15 September) revealed, up from a 2% increase in the year to July.
This refers to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), a measure of price inflation that weighs changes in the average price of a basket of goods and services used by households, including food, transport, energy, clothes and other items.
It showed that food has become 0.2% more expensive over the last year, while non-alcoholic drinks prices have increased by 0.8% and alcoholic beverages by 1.9%.
Pressure from gas price rises, a crisis in carbon dioxide (CO2) production and a shortage of lorry drivers have spurred fears of potential food shortages in the run up to Christmas – although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sought to downplay concerns.
But with prices of some individual items rising by more than 13%, which food and drinks are leaving shoppers feeling the pinch?
Here NationalWorld reveals the 20 items with the biggest price hikes in the 12 months to August, according to the ONS data.
17. Preserved fruit and fruit-based products
Preserved fruits and fruit based products are now 2.3% more expensive. This includes tinned fruits and fruit jams, and any ingredients based solely on fruit. Photo: Pixabay
18. Yoghurt
In another dairy entry, yoghurt prices have risen by 2%. Photo: Pixabay
19. Bread
Bread prices, including loaves and rolls, are up by 1.7%. Photo: Wikicommons
20. Butter
Prices may not have risen as much as its competitor product margarine, but butter prices have still increased by 1.6%. Photo: Pixabay