Rising food prices in UK hit Muslims hard in Ramadan
Rising food prices squeeze the household budgets of Muslims in the country observing Ramadan
LONDON, UK (MNTV) — Millions of Muslims in the UK are facing rising food costs, with key ingredients like flour, rice, and coconut milk seeing sharp price hikes.
This comes as food inflation continues to squeeze household budgets across the nation, as reported by news outlet Hyphen.
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), food prices rose by 3.3% in January 2025, up from 2% in December 2024.
The British Retail Consortium has predicted a 4.2% increase in food prices in the second half of 2025, further burdening families during the holy month of fasting.
The Food Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity, reported that 7.2 million adults and 2.7 million children were affected by food insecurity in 2024, with ethnic minority households disproportionately impacted.
As Ramadan nears, this ongoing issue continues to affect families already struggling to meet their basic needs.
Hyphen reported that for the third consecutive year, the Ramadan food price index has compared the cost of essential ingredients like flour, rice, and coconut milk.
Despite a slight slowdown in overall food inflation compared to 2024, the cost of many staples has seen sharp increases, with some items like flour and vermicelli rising by over 100% since 2022.
Notably, chapatti flour has experienced one of the steepest hikes, with the cost of 5kg of East End Gold Flour climbing from £6 in April 2022 to £11.19 in January 2025 — an 87% increase.
Other staple items such as rice and coconut milk have also seen significant price jumps.
While certain products like tahini and ayran have remained stable, the increased cost of Ramadan essentials is forcing families to adjust their shopping habits.
Many are turning to charity organizations and community initiatives to help ensure they can continue observing Ramadan without compromising their health or safety.
The Ramadan Food Price Index continues to monitor these rising costs, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by Muslim families in the UK during this sacred month.
By raising awareness of the financial pressures faced by many, the initiative aims to encourage solidarity and support for those in need.
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