Middle East war drives up costs for UK fish and chip shops
Previously spending around £5,000 per trip, he now pays close to £10,000, even after reducing his vessel’s speed to conserve fuel.
Fish and chip shops across the United Kingdom are facing mounting pressure as rising fuel and energy costs linked to the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran in the Middle East push up operating expenses, Arab News reports citing AFP.
Peter Bruce, a fisherman based in the Scottish port of Peterhead, said the cost of diesel for his fishing trips has doubled in recent weeks. Previously spending around £5,000 per trip, he now pays close to £10,000, even after reducing his vessel's speed to conserve fuel.
He estimates that the additional annual cost could exceed £100,000.
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Bruce warned that higher costs may eventually affect consumer demand, with people potentially cutting back on eating out or purchasing fish and chips.
His catch, mainly haddock and cod, is sold at auction before being distributed across Britain and beyond.
According to the report, the iconic British dish, consisting of battered fish served with chips and often accompanied by mushy peas, has been a staple since the 19th century.
According to Seafish, a public body supporting the industry, the UK had around 10,500 fish and chip shops in 2024, a figure that has remained largely stable over the past decade and exceeds the combined outlets of several major fast food chains.
However, industry insiders say the sector is under growing strain.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Fryers, said businesses are grappling with rising fish prices, increasing wages, and surging energy costs. Demand typically spikes during Easter, particularly on Good Friday, but even peak periods are not enough to offset the financial pressure.
Data from the Royal Automobile Club showed that petrol and diesel prices in the UK recorded a sharp rise in March, partly driven by the Middle East conflict.
Beyond fuel costs, the industry is also dealing with supply chain challenges. The war in Ukraine has disrupted fish supplies, as Russia previously accounted for a significant share of imports.
Meanwhile, higher fertiliser prices are affecting potato and oilseed production. The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global fertiliser shipments, has also been impacted by the conflict.
To cope, some businesses are exploring alternatives such as using cheaper fish varieties and adjusting portion sizes. Despite the challenges, many shop owners are trying to avoid passing additional costs onto customers for now.
