THE COST of fish and chips could soon hit an average of £10 as industry chiefs warn of rocketing prices.
Rising operational costs for supplies like cod, mushy peas, packaging and power have so far been fronted by store owners.
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But now they are facing no choice but share some of the brunt with customers amid wage rises and VAT’s return to 20 percent in April.
Fish is currently 75 percent more expensive than in October, while beloved mushy peas have been hiked to twice as costly, the Mirror reports.
David Miller, from Haxby in North Yorks, said the food favourite’s retail price has been flying under the radar for too long.
He said it’s only fair the value changes for the customer to meet the hikes owners are having to balance to get meals on plates.
He said: “We have a tsunami of costs coming and should be getting at least £10.”
The National Federation of Fish Friers is predicting that unless the industry brings in higher prices, up to a third of the country’s 10,500 chip shops could be forced to close their doors.
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The organisation’s president Andrew Crook owns Skipper’s in Euxton, Lancs, and is currently charging £7.50 but warns the price is likely to rise.
He said: “It could soon be over £10 and others are likely to do the same.
“Rising costs are really putting us under pressure and will push some out of business.”
It comes as households face an overall increase in prices in the following months, and it is estimated they will be £1,600 worse off when the cost of living crisis bites in April.
Pat McFadden, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard.
“Whether it’s filling up their cars so they can get to work, doing the weekly food shop, or when they get their energy bills, everyone’s noticing it. And now the cost of clothes and shoes are on the rise too.”
Last week data revealed that inflation has soared to 5.5 percent, the highest level since March 1992 when it had reached a whopping 7.1 percent.
Five million workers are set to be hit by tax rises in the coming weeks.
National Insurance Contributions will go up by 1.25 percentage points in April while tax bands will be frozen, meaning workers are effectively taking a pay cut.
The soaring inflation is pushing up the price of everything from energy bills to groceries.
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