Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Treasury is reportedly urging supermarkets to voluntarily limit price rises on essential food items like bread, eggs and milk. This initiative aims to combat the cost of living crisis, exacerbated by fears that a potential Iran war could further increase household bills. In return for price caps, the government might offer concessions such as easing packaging regulations and delaying healthy food rule changes for retailers. Supermarket bosses have criticised the proposal as “desperate” and “mad,” comparing it to failed 1970s price controls and warning it could force them to sell goods at a loss. The move comes as millions of UK households are already struggling, with many forced to skip meals due to soaring food prices, and the Chancellor is expected to announce further measures on Thursday. In fullTreasury urges supermarkets to cap food prices to alleviate cost of living crisisThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The Treasury is putting pressure on supermarkets to cap prices on staple groceries as a quid pro quo for axing taxes and red tape

The price of eggs, bread and milk would be voluntarily capped under the proposals in return for easing packaging policies and delaying rule changes around healthy food.