Halloween candy sales in the US fall 6.7% because cash-strapped families paying more for fuel and food can't afford treats

Candy and gum prices have jumped 44% in five years, almost double the 22.5% rise in overall grocery bills. Petrol now averages $4.29 a gallon, nearly 40% up on last year. Chris Costagli of NielsenIQ said families spending so much more on fuel, housing and food 'just don't have the financial means' for sweets. Only small bags are still growing in sales.

An Aldi 135-piece Mars pack costs $19.87, roughly what 250 pieces cost five years ago.

Sales crashed 11.7% in mid-September, wiping out two years of early-season gains.

Sky-high cocoa prices are the main force driving chocolate costs up.