‘You can never really catch up’: The Iran war is exacerbating already high grocery bills, and it will only get worse if the war continues, experts say

The article analyzes how the Israel-Iran war is amplifying food inflation and could keep grocery prices elevated. Rising fuel, diesel and fertilizer costs tied to the conflict have pushed shipping and production costs higher; fuel is cited as up roughly 30% since the war began, which could translate to a 1–2% increase in produce prices. The UN food price index rose 2.4% in March, and the USDA forecasts a 3.6% rise in food prices for 2026. Structural factors — labor shortages (labor accounts for about half of grocery costs), higher electricity costs, tariffs, drought and limited immigration — are also driving prices up. Experts say the duration of the war will determine persistence: a prolonged conflict could keep energy and input costs high through the year, while a short ceasefire may limit further retail increases. Overall, the piece is a market commentary on inflationary pressure in food-related markets and supply chains.