UK consumer sentiment falls as Iran war rages, KPMG says

(Corrects to remove ‌extraneous word ​from ​headline)

LONDON, March 25 (Reuters) - British consumer sentiment this month was slightly weaker than three months ‌earlier, pushed down by worries about grocery and ⁠energy costs linked to the conflict in the Middle ‌East, according to a quarterly ‌survey from accountants KPMG.

Half of people who thought the economy was worsening had cut spending as ​a consequence, and 40% of them were deferring major purchases, up from 34% three months ⁠ago.

"Considering the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, ​and the actual and potential impact on energy and grocery prices, it is not a ​surprise that we are seeing ‌heightened consumer concern about the economic health of the UK," said Linda Ellett, ⁠head of consumer, retail and leisure for KPMG UK.

Following are further key points from the release:

* 62% of ⁠Britons thought the economy was weakening, up from58% in Q4 ​2025 * 85% of those who judged the economy to be weakening citedthe cost of groceries, followed by 84% mentioning utility ‌billsand 52% the cost of eating or drinking out * 25% described their financial ‌situation as "insecure", upfrom 22% in Q4 * The poll ⁠was based on a ‌sample of 3,000 ​people and tookplace from March 5 to March 16

(Reporting by David MillikenEditing by William ‌Schomberg)

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