The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released the consumer price inflation data for April, as the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) observed the effects of the Middle East conflict on food inflation.
The Consumer Prices Index rose by 2.8% in the 12 months to April 2026, down from 3.3% in the 12 months to March. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.7% in April 2026, compared with a rise of 1.2% in April 2025.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages prices rose by 3% in the 12 months to April 2026, down from 3.7% in the 12 months to March. On a monthly basis, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices were little changed in April 2026, but rose by 0.7% a year ago.
There were downward effects to the change in the annual rate from five of the 11 food and non-alcoholic beverages classes. These included:
- Meat
- Sugar, jam, honey, syrups, chocolate and confectionary
- Oils and fats
ONS said that downward contributions were counteracted slightly by upward effects from vegetables, milk, cheese and eggs.
James Walton, chief economist at the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), commented: “Contrary to what might be expected given the wider geopolitical landscape, food inflation was 3% in April, compared to 3.7% the previous month but this remains above long-term averages. This is likely due to a lag effect as food supply chains do not adjust instantly to global events and energy, labour and input costs can take months to filter through to shelf price.
“However, there are signs that the conflict in the Middle East is beginning to have an effect in the supply chain, as farmers are having to contend with higher diesel prices now and the possibility of raised fertiliser prices next season. With this in mind, one of our most recent forecast scenarios put food inflation between 4.3-5.3% as an average over 2026.
“The continued raised food inflation is having an ongoing impact on shoppers, as IGD’s ShopperVista data shows food price concerns are at the highest level for three years, with food prices (94%) sitting above energy prices (86%) as their biggest concern.”
“The Government must pursue credible and pragmatic measures which reduce costs for businesses.”
Harvir Dhillon, economist at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Shoppers will breathe a sigh of relief as both headline and food inflation eased this month. Despite the ongoing cost pressures stemming from the Iran conflict, intense competition across the retail sector has successfully helped to stem inflation in the short-term. In the clothing sector, there were significant deals, with the prices of accessories falling over the last month; while those with a sweet tooth will be pleased to see the price of cocoa and powdered chocolate falling by 2.2%.
“Retailers are already battling a wave of additional costs, from rising utilities to the National Living Wage and Employer NICs, meaning they cannot absorb these pressures indefinitely. To mitigate these pressures and help bring down prices for consumers, the Government must pursue credible and pragmatic measures which reduce costs for businesses.
“This should include targeting support towards retailers by addressing the non-commodity charges which make up over two-thirds of retailers’ energy bills, as well as cutting regulatory burdens which increase operational costs for businesses across the sector.”
