Households across the UK are warned that food prices could surge due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The cost of oil and gas has already risen since the start of the war with experts now warning that supermarket shelves will be next.

According to National Farmers’ Union president Tom Bradshaw, shoppers will feel the pinch on produce flown to the UK from across the globe. Iranian forces are continuing to target tankers in the Strait of Hormuz which is impacting the costs of energy and fertiliser supplies. Mr Bradshaw has warned that supermarket essentials, ranging from vegetables to dairy products, will be hit by price hikes in the near future.

He told The Times that the cost of asparagus, from Peru, and green beans, from Kenya, will rise in price first. Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are set to follow, with a predicted price rise of 15% within six weeks.

The UK is currently importing 80% of its fruit and over half of its vegetables. British growers are being forced to deal with the increased cost of gas to heat their greenhouses.

Dairy products could also increase in price. Each of milk, butter and cheese are vulnerable to price hikes as farmers continue to be hit by steep costs.

Bread prices are also under pressure due to the increasing cost of fertiliser. Economist James Meadway, co-director of the Verdant think tank, warned the crisis could peak in six to nine months meaning prices could be at their highest by Christmas 2026.

A spokesperson for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said: “The situation in the Middle East will put pressure on prices across the economy, including essential consumer goods and services, and critical inputs for business.

“It’s especially important in these circumstances that price rises reflect genuine cost increases; that timely, accurate and transparent pricing information is available; and that suppliers treat customers fairly.

“With this in mind, we will work with relevant officials and regulators to identify and monitor sectors likely to be affected by price rises and disruption – including agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and red diesel, groceries and travel – so that both the CMA and wider government can respond swiftly to any evidence of harmful practices across the economy.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Morgan, head of farming policy, said: “It’s deeply concerning that we are one of the least food self-sufficient countries in Europe.

“The invasion of Ukraine showed how dependent our farming system is on fertilisers made with increasingly expensive gas. Now we are looking at more shocks and more risk.”