Families could see their grocieries shopping bills spike as costs rise in light of the Iran war. A consumer expert has spoken about which staple items could see a spike in prices on the shelves.

The major international conflict has caused an immediate hike in oil prices, raising costs for consumers at the petrol pump and for heating oil. Now experts warn further costs increases could be on the way over the rest of the year.

Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at free budgeting advice group Money Wellness, issued a stark warning. She said: “Rising energy prices risk triggering a second wave of the cost of living crisis, just as many households were starting to regain control of their finances.

“We’re already seeing the impact in real terms, with some customers who rely on oil heating telling us their bills have doubled, making them completely unaffordable and, in some cases, leaving people going without.” The consumer advocacy group has found their customers’ disposable income has dropped by £79 on average between 2023 and 2025.

The expert said: “Looking ahead, households are likely to face a costly second half of the year. Petrol prices are already elevated and could rise further if global oil markets remain unstable. And even if they don’t spike significantly, they’re expected to stay higher for longer, continuing to push up everyday costs.”

Rising food costs

Ms McCullough said food bills are set for a sharp increase. She said: “Food prices are likely to increase by around 5 to 9 percent if current pressures continue.

“Staple items like bread, dairy and meat are often hit hardest, meaning families could see noticeable rises in the cost of a basic weekly shop.” She said it’s likely that the Money Wellness team will see a rise in the number of households needing referrals for food bank support towards the end of the year.

The consumer advocate said: “Of course, when energy costs rise, it doesn’t stop at your gas and electricity bill; it feeds through into food, fuel and other essentials, meaning households will feel the squeeze across their entire budget at once. This is particularly concerning when around a quarter of UK adults have less than £100 in savings, leaving very little buffer to absorb further increases.

“Even modest rises can quickly tip households into arrears or reliance on credit. We often see a delay between costs rising and people seeking help, but getting support early can make a real difference.”

She urged people to reach out for help with their cost of living if they need it. Ms McCullough said: “No one should feel they have to go without essentials. Help is available, and acting early can prevent financial problems from escalating.”