HGV driver shortage: Millions of shoppers face hike in food costs amid retail price inflation

ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi reports on the impacts of the cost of freight and wholesale goods going up

The driver shortage has already hit shops, restaurants, pubs and even refuse collection.

Now, perhaps inevitably, comes the warning that it will also hit us in the pocket. On Thursday, Morrisons warned of “industry wide retail price inflation” in part due to the HGV driver shortage.

The main trade body for retailers, British Retail Consortium, has also said “higher prices loom”.

The haulage shortage is only one of the issues driving up costs.

As the world re-starts after Covid-19 lockdowns, freight charges are rising.

Many commodity prices are rising - as well as charges for plastic and cardboard.

ITV News looked at a selection of wholesale prices:

• Iceberg Lettuce: 31% increase in the last year

• Brown Onion: 29% increase

• Cauliflower: 17% rise

• Broad Beans: 16% increase

It is becoming clear that the HGV shortage is likely to lead to a shortage of money for millions of shoppers.