Rising fuel costs caused by the war in the Middle East are starting to ripple through Czech retail, with food prices expected to climb in the coming months.

Experts predict that bottled water and bread could be the first items affected.

Tomáš Prouza, president of the Trade and Tourism Association, said the increase in fuel prices will eventually affect food costs because it raises expenses across the supply chain. “We are not anticipating an immediate jump in prices, but a gradual increase is likely if fuel costs continue to rise”.

Retail chains including Penny Market, Lidl, and Tesco are closely monitoring the situation but are not planning any immediate price adjustments. Tesco spokesperson Lucie Luchková confirmed that the supermarket will maintain current prices, even for its delivery service, as contracts with carriers were finalized in advance.

Bottled water and baked goods are likely to be among the first products to see price increases, according to Penny Market spokesperson Markéta Smutná. These items are fast-moving and often sold in large volumes, making them particularly sensitive to cost fluctuations.

Online grocery platform Košík.cz has factored potential fuel price changes into its delivery pricing. “We are not considering a general rise in delivery fees at this time. If any adjustment occurs, it would be limited to cases like small orders delivered far from our warehouse,” said company spokesperson František Brož.

Delivery costs are expected to be one of the initial drivers behind any increase in grocery prices. In addition, higher energy and fertilizer prices may also play a role, according to Pavel Březina, chairman of the Association of Traditional Czech Trade.

Czech food ombudsman Jindřich Fialka, who has held the position since late February, is expected to monitor these developments to ensure that any price increases remain fair for consumers.

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