Food inflation rose 18.2% in February – the highest since 1978 – up from 16.8% in January, new data reveals.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said soaring food prices were partly caused by shortages of some salad and vegetable items, which led to rationing by supermarkets.
Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist at the ONS, said: “Food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose to their highest rate in over 45 years with particular increases for some salad and vegetable items as high energy costs and bad weather across parts of Europe led to shortages and rationing.
“These were partially offset by falls in the cost of motor fuel, where the annual inflation rate has eased for seven consecutive months.”
Analysts say the surprise increase in prices makes it more likely the Bank of England will hike interest rates again when it meets tomorrow (23 March).
