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Middle East blockade drives up UK food costs
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned that British shoppers face higher food bills as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts fuel and fertiliser supplies.
Short-term price spikes expected
NFU president Tom Bradshaw told the BBC that cucumber and tomato prices could climb within the next six weeks. Other staples, including milk and field crops, may see increases in three to six months.
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz-now in its fourth week-has pushed up fuel and fertiliser costs, both critical to food production. The strait normally carries a large share of the world's natural gas, crude oil and fertiliser shipments.
Supply chain under pressure
Bradshaw said the disruptions "span the whole food supply chain" and require urgent government attention. He warned that the conflict "will turn the world supply upside down, and it will have a dramatic impact."
While some costs may be absorbed by farmers and retailers, the NFU said consumers will inevitably bear part of the burden. The exact price increases remain unclear, as supermarkets set final retail prices.
Glasshouse crops hit first
Produce grown in gas-heated glasshouses-such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers-will feel the impact fastest due to rising energy prices. Livestock and dairy farmers, who buy fertiliser on demand, could also face higher costs soon.
Arable farmers growing wheat and barley may be shielded temporarily, as they typically purchase fertiliser in advance.
Retailers brace for disruption
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) acknowledged that shipping delays could affect product availability and prices. However, it said retailers and suppliers were "adept at managing this type of disruption" and would work to limit the impact on customers.
"Sustained energy cost increases could directly push up the price of goods," said BRC director of food and sustainability Andrew Opie. "Amidst this volatile backdrop, it is more important than ever that government keeps other inflationary pressures within its control to protect households."
Government response
Farming minister Angela Eagle said she was "monitoring the developments in the Middle East and the impacts for our food and farming sectors." She confirmed raising concerns about "price transparency" of red diesel-a fuel used in farming machinery-with the Competition and Markets Authority, which has now committed to monitoring fuel sales.
Senior ministers will convene an emergency Cobra meeting next week to assess how the conflict is affecting the cost of living. Food prices, petrol costs, household energy bills and interest rates are expected to dominate the agenda.
