LONDON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Consumers across Britain are expected to face higher prices and fewer choices for goods this Christmas season due to supply chain delays and soaring inflation.
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association recently urged the government to take "urgent action" over the shortage of heavy goods vehicle drivers and freight disruptions to avoid a lack of alcohol supplies in the run-up to Christmas.
The association has received multiple reports from its membership who complained that importing products are "now taking up to five times longer than they were a year ago," according to a statement issued by the body on Nov. 24.
"Businesses who had previously been able to fulfil orders in two to three days are now experiencing shipments taking 15 days to process," revealed the statement, as "drivers and vehicles are increasingly unpredictable in their arrival times, meaning goods are either not ready or are left waiting for collection."
Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2021 shows shipping containers and a ship at Southampton Port in Southampton, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2021 shows food shelves at a store in Basingstoke, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2021 shows shipping containers and a ship at Southampton Port in Southampton, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2021 shows liquor shelves at a store in Basingstoke, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Toys are one of the most affected categories during the festive season, along with bicycles and large homeware items, according to a recent report by the Financial Times.
Earlier this year, the government announced a package of measures to address the shortages of heavy goods vehicle drivers and butchers, including offering a Visa extention for foreigners occupying those positions.
Analysts said the surge in inflation increased the possibility of the central bank raising interest rates in December.
The Bank made two emergency base rate cuts from 0.75 percent to 0.1 percent to support businesses and households since the start of the pandemic.
Photo taken on Nov. 24, 2021 shows a view of Oxford Street in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2021 shows shipping containers and a ship at Southampton Port in Southampton, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on Nov. 24, 2021 shows signs of products out of stock at a store in London, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)
Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2021 shows shipping containers at Southampton Port in Southampton, Britain. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)■
Produced by Xinhua Global Service