American households struggling with elevated living expenses and steep chocolate prices have driven a sluggish start to Halloween candy sales this year.

Figures from market research firm NielsenIQ reveal that candy purchases fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year.

An 11.7% drop in mid-September wiped out early-season sales gains recorded over the previous two years.

Chris Costagli, a vice president and food thought leader at NielsenIQ, said surging fuel costs have worsened concerns over affordability, curbing demand for treats.

As of Friday, the national average for regular gasoline stood at $4.29 a gallon, up nearly 40% from last year.

"I think what you’re seeing now is a consumer that’s spending so much additional money on fuel and housing and clothing and food," Costagli said.

"Some of the decisions they're making about Halloween candy, it’s not necessarily because, 'I notice it's more expensive than last year,' it's, ‘I can’t afford it this year because I've…