Grocery inflation is primed to rise

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Grocery Dive
Published: September 22, 2026
Source: Read at Grocery Dive
Category: Food Access

Food industry experts said grocery inflation is likely to accelerate over the coming months as higher fuel costs pressure retailers and suppliers. Grocery inflation was 2.2% in August, down from 2.7% in each of the previous three months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ricky Volpe of California Polytechnic State University estimated that grocery inflation could reach an annual pace of about 2.7% for 2026. Diesel prices reached a record of more than $6 per gallon, while higher gasoline and diesel costs since the war started at the end of February have cost U.S. consumers more than $113 billion, according to the article's cited sources.

Why this matters: Independent grocers may face higher costs to move goods, operate warehouses, and store cold products. Those costs could pressure stores to raise prices or absorb more expenses.

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