The "Hidden" Tax: Why 2.4% Inflation Feels Like 10%
February 17, 2026 · Consumer Watch
The official government numbers say inflation is down to 2.4%. So why does your grocery bill still feel catastrophic? A report released this morning by the Consumer Watchdog Group identifies "Shrinkflation" as the primary culprit in early 2026.
Pay Same, Get Less
The report highlights that while sticker prices have stabilized, package sizes have shrunk by an average of 12% across cereal, snacks, and paper goods. This is "invisible inflation" that the CPI often misses in real-time. If you earn the same hourly wage, you are technically earning less product per hour.
Real Wage Check: Has your salary kept up with the real cost of living? Use the Inflation Calculator to see your purchasing power gap.