A veteran fish and chip shop owner in Oswestry has blamed US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for forcing him to raise prices amid soaring costs. Harry Haralambous, who has run Salop Fish Bar for 25 years, said his energy bills have jumped by £30,000, pushing his annual tariff to £39,000.
Mr Haralambous has increased the price of fish and chips from £6.40 to £7.50. He cited rising costs for materials, including cooking fat, which has doubled in price due to the war in Ukraine. 'It's not just gas and electric, it's all your materials,' he said.
The owner noted that until this year, his bills had been 'pretty steady'. He described the sudden increase as 'very hard' and said he faces a choice between carrying on or closing down. 'There's not even chance of selling up any more because who would want to buy a business with such uncertainty?' he added.
Mr Haralambous is monitoring his equipment to improve efficiency. His two-year energy contract ended on 1 September, coinciding with the cost of living crisis. Unlike households, businesses are exempt from the price cap and negotiate contracts with suppliers.
He expressed concern that while customers are still coming in now, the real worry will start in October when households turn on their heating and face higher bills. The government has said it is supporting businesses with fuel duty cuts and 50% rates relief.
