Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
HANOVER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Consumers across the nation are battling "sticker shock" while shopping for their necessities.
According to the Consumer Price Index, grocery prices decreased by 0.1% in April, after rising 0.4% in March but they are still 49% higher than around this time last year. Shoppers in Hanover say they don't feel the minor difference is making a dent in their expenses.
"It's only changed a little bit since January and that's not far off."
On average, a dozen eggs costs $5.12 in April, down from $6.23 in March but still not close enough to the $2.86 average in early 2024, for shoppers to feel an impact.
Some shoppers have the privilege to debate over the pricing, while others like Gary in Hanover have no choice but to cough up the price difference because of food restrictions.
"I gotta buy 'em anyhow, so it don't matter," says Gary. "If you think about stuff like that, you'll go crazy."
Even as shoppers attempt to celebrate their pocket change worth of savings, some in Hanover couldn't help but express shoppers' remorse for those they know are struggling with the impact of rising prices.
"I just feel very bad for those that are suffering because of their budgets."
While consumers continue to price watch in hopes of catching a break at the register, some retailers like Walmart have announced they will raise their prices soon because of tariffs.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) has more.