Morrisons has warned over pressure on prices due to the mounting supply chain crisis as it revealed half-year profits tumbled 43%.

The chain – which is at the centre of a bidding battle between two US private equity firms – said it expects industry-wide retail price inflation in the coming months as a result of the lorry driver shortage, global commodity price increases and higher haulage costs.

But it said it would look to lessen the impact of the cost pressures and supply issues to keep its shelves stocked.

READ MORE: Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East

The comments came as it posted statutory pre-tax profits of £82 million for the six months to August 1, down from £145 million a year ago.

Underlying pre-tax profits fell 37% to £105 million, with the group blaming a hit from £41 million in pandemic-related costs, as well as £80 million in lost profit across its cafes, petrol forecourts and food-to-go.

A Morrisons spokesman said: "We expect some industry-wide retail price inflation during the second half, driven by sustained recent commodity price increases and freight inflation, and the current shortage of HGV drivers.

"We will seek to mitigate these and other potential cost increases, such as any incurred to maintain good on-shelf availability."

For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter here.