Shoppers are witnessing first-hand the impact of inflation on prices for several basic items. According to some reports the soaring price of milk means that the price of this, often essential, purchase has outpaced forecourt fuel costs at some supermarkets.
Three major UK supermarkets have been highlighted in one report by LancsLive. Most milk produced in the UK is bought by dairies and according to the publication, a warning has been issued to customers after dairy prices in the last 12 months soared.
Other media have also noted the rises with The Telegraph pointing out that a one pint bottle of semi-skimmed milk bought today costs 95p at branches of the Co-op, up by 40p compared to a year ago. That is equivalent to £1.67 per litre, more than the £1.66 charged on average at forecourts for a litre of unleaded petrol.
READ MORE: Alton Towers' Nemesis ride is closing and thrill-seekers are 'gutted'
Trolley.co.uk’s grocery price index shows that Sainsbury’s is also reportedly charging £1.05 for a pint of milk – or £1.85 per litre – at its Sainsbury’s Local convenience stores. This compares to 69p, or £1.21 per litre, at its supermarkets while a pint cost 55p a year ago.
Morrisons is now charging more for milk than petrol as well at its chain of convenience stores, Morrisons Daily. A pint of milk costs 99p (£1.74 per litre), compared to 89p (£1.57 per litre) at the grocer’s larger shops.
The last time milk cost more than filling our car's tank was in the 1980s when a glut of oil led to its price collapsing, reports the Daily Mail, and at the time most Brits had milk delivered to the doorstep, meaning prices were relatively higher as they included delivery
National Farming Union President Minette Batters said: "Costs are rising rapidly on farms across the country." By contrast, petrol prices have fallen from a high of 191p a litre to around 149p at the pump in some areas.
British magazine The Grocer said: "Dairy is at the sharp end of food and drink price increases, with milk leading the charge. The average price of semi-skimmed milk has seen a market change since July and at an average 86p has increased 65% year on year."
READ NEXT:
