Car manufacturers saw sales fall 2.9 per cent as the rising cost of fuel hit demand for gas-guzzling sports utility vehicles.

Sales of soft and alcoholic drinks are suffering as consumers facing rising cost of fuel and food cut back on trips to the pub.

The rising cost of buying and selling works of art through big auction houses can put off some potential investors.

The rising cost of social care is becoming a growing source of anxiety for many families.

Experts say that the rising costs will inevitably feed through to higher consumer prices and commodities traders warn that the cost might move higher still.