LONDON – The first week of March has left shoppers reeling as prices across U.K. stores rocketed by 8.9% compared to the same time last year. And it doesn’t seem like the end is in sight, as fresh-food inflation hits a staggering 17%.
Mrs. Brown, a mother of three, was spotted gasping in the fruit and veg aisle of Tesco as she saw the price of apples had gone up by 50p. “I nearly fainted,” she said. “I mean, how are we supposed to survive if we can’t afford a simple apple anymore?”
Even Prince Harry hasn’t been spared from the price hiking. He was seen frantically looking for bargains in the meat section of Sainsbury’s, much to the amusement of other shoppers. “I thought the royal family had all their food smuggled in by a team of butlers,” said an onlooker. “But I guess even Harry has to watch his wallet these days.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Edwards, a retired accountant, was heard grumbling in the bread aisle. “I can’t believe the price of bread has gone up again,” he said. “I might have to start making my own. It can’t be that hard, can it?”
But it’s not all doom and gloom, as some shoppers are finding ways to make the most of the situation. Ms. Patel, a savvy shopper, has resorted to eating out of date food to save money. “I just scrape off the mould and it’s fine,” she said. “I’ve even started a blog about it. It’s called Cheap Eats.”
It seems like the only winners in this situation are the supermarkets themselves, who are raking in the profits. “It’s like they’ve got us over a barrel,” said Mrs. Jones, a stay-at-home mum. “We can’t stop buying food, but they know we’ll pay whatever they charge. It’s a conspiracy, I tell you.”
