The rate of inflation for pet care products dipped slightly in December, but still remains in double figures and above the national rate for all retail items, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Prices in the pet care category were 11.9% higher in December 2022 compared to the same month in the previous year, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation. This represents the lowest rate of annual increase since August 2022, following double-digit increases in September (13.4%), October (12%) and November (13%).
Overall, the CPI rose by 10.5% in the 12 months to December 2022, down from 10.7% in November. The broader index that includes owner-occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) rose by 9.2% in the same period.
While there has been downward falls in prices in transport (particularly motor fuels), clothing and footwear, food prices have continued to rise and are a key factor in driving the overall rate of inflation.
Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by 16.9% in the 12 months to December 2022, up from 16.5% in November. The annual rate of inflation for this category has risen for 17 consecutive months, and the rate of increase is now at its highest since September 1977.
