National Fish and Chip Day: “Delicious” fish and chips “will always be a favourite” despite rising prices

Fish and chip shops, a cornerstone of British culture, are facing a crisis.

Rising costs of fish, oil and energy, coupled with the cost-of-living squeeze, are driving many out of business.

The price of cod and haddock has soared by 75% in the past year due to supply chain disruptions and global factors like the Ukraine war.

Energy bills have also skyrocketed for these businesses with some shops seeing costs jump from £2,000 to £10,000 a month.

For customers, affordability is now a major concern.

In 2019, the average price of fish and chips was £6.48, but by 2024 it had risen to nearly £10 nationally, with places like London seeing prices exceed £20.

For many, this traditional meal is becoming a luxury.

It's left shop owners struggling to balance rising costs with keeping prices low enough to attract customers.

Industry leaders warn that one third of shops could close within a year threatening a beloved institution at the heart of British communities.

UK public on the cost of fish and chips

We spoke to people in the UK about the rising price of fish and chips.

A member of the public said: “I think it's pricey for a family £10 if there's four or five in the family, but I think it'll always be a favourite in our country, sort of a little bit of a national dish and probably become more of a treat.”

One man said: “I do like my fish and chips but I don't have it that often. I think last time I went to have fish and chips with my girlfriend, I think it was pretty reasonably priced. I didn't think it was too bad at all to be honest with you.”

Another member of the public said: “I think fish and chips is very nice. I like this cod with this nice breadcrumbs, fried on the deep oil. It's delicious. I love it with the tartar sauce as well and I like you know having the chips. I like this smaller chips more than these big ones. Curry sauce on the chips is way better.

“I think it's a little bit too much. I think if the price will drop like for £2 to £8, that will be a great value for the nice tea of fish and chips.”

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