Residents in Connecticut are expressing frustration and concern over the persistently high prices of groceries, even as inflation remains relatively low. The situation has led to a sense of discomfort and bewilderment among shoppers who find their weekly grocery bills to be a constant source of stress.

Despite overall low inflation rates, grocery prices in Connecticut seem resistant to a downward trend. Shoppers like Milagros Cortés Ruiz of Meriden and Helen Cortés, unrelated, share their exasperation with the seemingly unending surge in food prices. Milagros even describes the situation, stating, “They’re crazy. They’re absolutely crazy. I feel that food has become a luxury.”

Helen emphasizes the challenges of dealing with rising prices, explaining her strategy of seeking sales to mitigate the impact on her budget. Angelica Gianchandani, a brand marketing professor at the University of New Haven, echoes the sentiment, expressing frustration at the diminishing purchasing power of $20, noting that a routine grocery trip can easily result in a $50 bill for a limited number of items.

The prevailing sentiment is that even in the face of reported low inflation, grocery prices remain alarmingly high. Steven Lanza, an economics professor at the University of Connecticut, acknowledges the shock of witnessing prices such as $6 for a box of cereal, which used to cost much less. Lanza distinguishes between the level of prices and inflation, emphasizing that while inflation may be under control, the overall high price levels persist, contributing to the disconnect experienced by consumers.

The ongoing pinch from past price hikes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, adds to the challenges faced by consumers. As inflation reports indicate a decline, the disconnect between decreasing inflation rates and enduring high price levels underscores the complexities of the economic landscape, leaving residents in Connecticut grappling with the reality of unrelenting grocery costs.