The chart above still shows that the trend over the last year is higher overall.

Eggs and medicines shortages driving availability concerns

Availability concerns are increasing the most for dairy including eggs (31% compared to 18% in September).

Record numbers of avian flu cases coupled with increased costs of production has led to supply chain disruption for eggs.

In response, a number of supermarkets have introduced restrictions on the number of eggs customers can buy. With winter bugs spreading at high levels there have been reports of shortages of some medicines, particularly at pharmacies.

Our data shows that more consumers are concerned about the availability of medicines (14% concerned about availability of over-the-counter medicines compared to 8% in November.)

Availability concerns for dairy including eggs is highest for those living in the South East (40%), Scotland and the South West (35%) compared to just 9% in Northern Ireland.

Availability concerns for over-the-counter medicines is highest for those living in Yorkshire & Humberside (19%) , Northern Ireland (19%) and the South West (18%), compared to just 10% in the South East.

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