Supermarket price caps would amount to ‘state control’, says ex-Asda boss

PoliticsBusiness & Finance
20 May 2026 • 4:56 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Supermarket price caps would amount to ‘state control’, says ex-Asda boss

  • Lord Stuart Rose, a former Asda boss and member of the Lords, has criticised reported government plans for price caps on essential groceries, labelling them "idiotic" and "unworkable".
  • He warned that such measures would "backfire" on the government and suggested they smacked of "state control".
  • Reports indicate the Treasury is urging supermarkets to limit food price increases, fearing the Iran war will exacerbate the cost of living crisis for households.
  • Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson has denied the government is considering imposing price caps, stating they are exploring alternative ways to support households.
  • New ONS data shows CPI inflation dropped to 2.8 per cent, though experts anticipate this progress will likely be halted by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved