Slight relief for UK shoppers as inflation eases

WorldBusiness & Finance
27 May 2026 • 4:00 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Slight relief for UK shoppers as inflation eases

  • Grocery price inflation in the UK eased to 3.1 per cent in May, a decline from 3.8 per cent in April, offering some relief to consumers.
  • Shoppers increasingly relied on promotions, with 30.3 per cent of sales last month involving a deal, compared to 28.4 per cent a year prior.
  • Ocado was the fastest-growing grocer with sales up 10.2 per cent, while Lidl reached a record market share of 8.6 per cent, becoming Britain’s fifth largest grocer.
  • The easing inflation occurs amidst government plans to suspend tariffs on some food imports, though concerns persist over the Middle East crisis's potential impact on food costs.
  • A report highlights the “rocket and feathers” effect, where food prices rise sharply but fall slowly, explaining why grocery bills remain significantly above pre-pandemic levels.

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