U.S. consumers are facing another round of rising grocery prices as higher fuel costs, import tariffs and supply pressures push the price of staple foods higher, according to new federal data and economic analysts.
Consumer prices for groceries rose 0.7% in April from the previous month, the sharpest monthly increase in food-at-home costs since 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Grocery prices were also up 2.9% compared with a year earlier.
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Fresh vegetables recorded some of the steepest increases. Tomato prices jumped nearly 40% from a year ago, while seafood prices rose 6.2%, according to data cited by ABC News.
Economists say that higher diesel prices are adding pressure throughout the food supply chain, particularly for perishable products that rely on refrigerated transportation. Fuel prices have climbed amid ongoing instability in global energy markets and disruptions tied to the conflict affecting shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supplies.
“Whenever there is disruption in energy markets, it works its way into food prices eventually,” said Tufts University economist Parke Wilde.
Perishable foods such as vegetables, dairy products and seafood are often among the first categories affected when transportation costs rise because they require rapid delivery and temperature-controlled shipping. Michigan State University food economist David Ortega explained that perishables are especially sensitive to higher fuel expenses.
Tomato prices have also been affected by weather-related crop damage in Mexico, one of the largest suppliers of tomatoes to the United States. In addition, a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes has increased costs for importers and retailers, analysts said.
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Other grocery categories have also experienced price pressure in recent months. Beef prices have risen as cattle supplies remain tight, while coffee costs have increased following poor harvest conditions in major producing countries.
Although grocery inflation remains below the highs recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, analysts warn that consumers may continue to see elevated food prices if fuel costs and supply chain disruptions persist through the summer months.