Shop Price Inflation Slows to 1.1% in February, Food Costs Still 3.5% Higher Year-on-Year

In February 2026, new data showed a welcome shift in UK retail price pressure. Shop price inflation slowed to just 1.1% year‑on‑year, down from 1.5% in January, giving some relief to shoppers feeling the cost squeeze. Yet, the story isn’t all positive. Food prices remain stubbornly high, still running about 3.5% above last year’s levels, keeping pressure on household budgets.