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TORONTO — The Canadian dollar’s plunge to a nearly 13-year low this week has grocers, fishmongers and other import-reliant retailers warning that shoppers can expect further price increases in the coming months.

Data released on Friday showed Canada’s annual inflation rate rose in December as food prices surged. Canadians paid 4.1 per cent more for food purchased at stores, mainly due to higher prices for fresh fruit and vegetables.

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The currency has dropped along with the country’s economic prospects as the price of oil, an important export, tests its lowest levels since 2003.

The Canadian dollar’s accelerated weakening in recent weeks has had an immediate effect on prices of fresh produce, most of which is trucked in from warmer climes. Shoppers were shocked to see $5 bunches of celery and $10 cauliflowers.

“Prices are going through the roof,” said Anthony Pronesti, owner of Urban Fresh Produce at the bustling St. Lawrence market in central Toronto. “From my cash register, I hear them yelling, ‘Oh my goodness, $13 for strawberries! You must be insane.'”