THE price of a curry could hit £30 amid the cost-of-living crisis, a business leader has warned.
And industry leaders fear it could threaten the closure of hundreds of Indian restaurants.
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Shale Ahmed, 41, said: “Business owners have seen their shopping bills go up around 40 per cent.
“The cost of oil has gone from £17 for 20 litres to £44.
“And restaurants go through about 100 litres a week.
“If you charge customers accordingly, a curry would have to cost between £25 to £30, which is not sustainable.”
Mr Ahmed represents restaurant owners in Birmingham — the birthplace of the balti — who have seen energy prices rise £8,500 to almost £25,000.
He estimates that seven in ten could be forced to shut for good and wants government help.
He added: “Loyal customers are now only visiting once a month rather than every week.
“I don’t think many businesses will last the winter, let alone into the next year.”
