UK supermarkets urged to consider voluntary price caps on essential foods

Retail sources rebuff government proposal as unjustified' and likely to push costs up across board

UK supermarkets have been asked by the government to consider freezing the prices of some essential foodstuffs to protect the public from inflation fuelled by the Middle East conflict.

Retailers rejected the plan, criticising its potential cost amid rising taxes, fuel and energy costs and arguing it could push up prices for shoppers overall.