Rising global food prices last month pushed the inflation rate up to its highest for nearly 18 years, according to figures released yesterday.
Milk, cheese and eggs have increased in price by nearly a fifth since May last year along with cooking oils and fats. Meat and bread were up by 9% with fish and vegetables rising by 7%. But fruit increased by a more modest 2.4%.
The jump in food prices of 9% on average from May last year pushed consumer price inflation to 3.3% last month from 3% in April, according to the Office for National Statistics. The cost of living is now the highest since 1990 with half of the increase accounted for by food prices.
The prices of most food products around the world have risen after basic commodities such as wheat, rice and corn hit record highs in recent months.
