Londoners are facing a severe and disproportionate cost of living crisis, with food prices in the capital skyrocketing at a rate far exceeding the national average, according to a damning new analysis.
The research, conducted by the consumer group Which?, exposes a stark postcode lottery in essential food costs. While UK food inflation officially stands at 6.9%, shoppers in London are grappling with a staggering average inflation rate of 9.6% on everyday items.
The Boroughs Bearing the Brunt
The crisis is not evenly spread across the city. The data paints a troubling picture for specific boroughs, with residents in some areas suffering the most.
- Westminster: Topping the list, this central London borough endures the highest food inflation in the entire country at a crippling 11.6%.
- Kensington and Chelsea: Following closely behind with an inflation rate of 11.5%.
- Hammersmith and Fulham: Residents here face a rate of 10.9%.
The 'Greedflation' Accusation
Which? is pointing the finger directly at major supermarkets, accusing them of "greedflation"—a practice where companies use high overall inflation as cover to push prices even higher and boost their profit margins.
Ele Clark, a leading retail editor at Which?, stated: "It is simply not right that people are having to pay such high prices for essential food items, and that those in the capital are being hit the hardest." She urged the government to take immediate action, including giving regulators more power to investigate and challenge potentially unfair pricing.
A Nationwide Problem with a London Premium
The issue extends beyond the M25. The analysis, which tracked hundreds of thousands of prices across the UK, found that the South of England is consistently worse off than the North. However, London's figures are particularly alarming, suggesting a unique 'London premium' is being applied to essential goods during a national crisis.
As the cost of basics like cheese, butter, and eggs continues to climb disproportionately in the capital, pressure is mounting on both retailers and policymakers to provide answers and relief for struggling households.
