UK shop price inflation rose 1.0% year-on-year in April 2026, down from 1.2% in March and below market expectations of 1.5%. It marked the softest pace since last December and was below the three-month average of 1.1%, partly due to discounting in some goods. Food inflation slowed to 3.3% from 3.4% in March, as retailers offered discounts on Easter items such as chocolate. Meanwhile, non-food prices edged down 0.1% year-on-year, after inching up 0.1% in March. “Bigger discounts in clothing, furniture, and DIY goods helped pull down shop price inflation in April. With weakening consumer confidence, retailers competed harder on price to stimulate spring spending. While we’re yet to see the full force of the Middle East conflict feeding into consumer prices, it will not be long before it begins to,” said BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson.