Treasury urges supermarkets to cap food prices to alleviate cost of living crisis
The Treasury is urging supermarkets to voluntarily cap food prices to help alleviate the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK. This proposal comes amid fears that the Iran war could further increase household bills. However, supermarket executives have criticized the plan, calling it desperate and reminiscent of failed policies from the 1970s.
- ▪The proposed price cap would apply to common items like bread, eggs, and milk.
- ▪A recent survey indicated that 67 percent of households have changed their shopping habits to reduce food costs.
- ▪Supermarket representatives argue that the policy could force retailers to sell goods at a loss.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsTreasury urges supermarkets to cap food prices to alleviate cost of living crisisChancellor fears Iran war will push up bills even further for struggling households but supermarket bosses brand plan ‘desperate’ Jane Dalton Tuesday 19 May 2026 22:09 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2979865","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/food-prices-supermarkets-cost-of-living-crisis-rachel-reeves-b2979865.html","title":"Treasury urges supermarkets to cap food prices to alleviate cost of living…
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