EV Cargo, which handles the logistics and supply chain for Asda and Sainsbury’s has warned that worldwide shipping problems will “continue for years” as pressures of shipping prices and availability are set to take years to fully resolve.

This comes follows issues with fuel and China lockdowns continuing to impact supply chains.

As a result, the group cautioned these factors will intensify the cost of living crisis, compounding inflation pressures as firms are forced to put up prices.

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“It’s going to take a period of years to stabilise and get back to normal,” EV Group founder and CEO Heath Zarin said.

“It’s very serious overall and another reason why inflation and higher prices are likely to be with us for longer than anybody would like.”

He added: “There will be ups and downs but there won’t be a massive form of relief from elevated prices.”

The shipping disruption has also led to soaring costs and poor container availability for a raft of firms, in particular those that import goods from Asia, where a zero Covid-19 policy has knocked ocean freight.

Staffing issues in ports across the UK, America and worldwide has further compounded the issue.