Consumers will soon see impact of drought

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The nationwide drought is eventually going to hit home for consumers all over the country.

Analysts predict the cost of food will spike sometime in the next few months. Even livestock producers are suffering as the cost of feed skyrockets.

The owner of Hadley's Ecuador Andino market and eatery told 22News it's going to impact his bottom line.

“For sure, the prices are going to go up. And of course I'll have to mark up my prices because suppliers are going to charge me more,” Tony Gray told 22News.

The dismal crop yields may also impact the price at the pump, about forty percent of the U.S. corn crop is used to produce ethanol.

Consumer advocates warn that prices will rise *gradually*.

Any sharp price hikes right now could be a sign of price gouging.