Most Britons fear Iran conflict will raise food prices, Opinium poll finds

Official figures show that inflation in the U.K. has fallen to its lowest level since the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which caused energy and food costs to surge. Four in five people in the UK fear Donald Trump’s war in Iran will end up making food more expensive, according to a new poll.Market research company Opinium found 80% of Brits think retailers will have to pass on impending cost increases to consumers as fuel prices climb.A further 73% expect the conflict to push prices of other produce up, too.It comes as Iran continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – a major oil shipping lane – which began after the US and Israeli strikes against Tehran at the end of February.Access to oil and gas has dwindled as a result, making shipping and distribution go up in price while also causing a decline in the global fertiliser industry.Opinium’s findings imply the cost of living crisis will remain a pressing issue for Brits in the months to come.Out of the survey’s 2,000 respondents, 81% admitted they were concerned about rising energy bills, 76% about petrol and diesel, and 68% about hikes in tax.It comes after the Bank of England predicted food inflation could reach 7% later this year due to an increase in fertiliser, energy and transport costs.UK trade association The Food & Drink Federation even warned on Wednesday that food inflation could reach 9-10% in 2026.The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit warned the cost of food could be 50% higher by November than at the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021.Official UK data suggests the war is already starting to have an impact, as the price of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased 3.7% in March compared to 3.3% in February.Meanwhile, work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden warned Sky News that there could be job losses due to the stresses from the Iran war.“There is likely to be an effect on prices, which feeds through from energy costs, and there may well be labour market implications,” he said.Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with supermarket bosses last month to discuss the way the war could hit British food shelves.Sainsbury’s chief Simon Roberts urged the government to limit energy prices for retailers to keep prices down.The British Retail Consortium also said food retailers have already taken a £6.5 billion hit from increased employment taxes under Labour.Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Former MI6 Chief Condemns Donald Trump's 'Misguided' War In IranHegseth Claims Iran Does Not Control The Strait Of Hormuz Despite All Evidence To The ContraryBBC's Jeremy Bowen Delivers Damning Verdict On Trump's Decision To Bomb Iran

Shoppers concerned about effect of Middle East conflict, as UK retailers say government running out of time to cut costsFour in five people are worried that the Iran war will make food more expensive, according to a new poll, as businesses warned the “window is closing” for ministers to cut energy costs for UK retailers.Research by Opinium found that 80% of people are worried about the rising price of groceries, which would come from retailers passing on cost increases to consumers, while 73% expect the conflict to push up prices of other products. Continue reading...