Fish and chip shops across the UK are facing a 'perfect storm' of rising costs, with the National Federation of Fish Friers warning that a third of chippies could close within six months without action. The price of cod, a staple ingredient, has surged by up to 45% due to tariffs on Russian imports, while cooking oil costs have soared following the loss of Ukrainian sunflower oil supplies.
John Molnar, owner of The Cod's Scallops in Nottingham, which was recently named best fish and chips in the UK, says his profit is down 30% and turnover down 15%. He has been forced to raise the price of cod and chips by 50p to £8, and customers are visiting less often. 'It would be heartbreaking if a third of chip shops had to close,' he said. 'This is our iconic dish, it must be supported and celebrated through these rough seas.'
Other costs have also risen sharply: a 20-litre drum of oil now costs £40, up from £27; pea prices have doubled; and utility bills have more than doubled. Molnar has taken steps to reduce waste, such as filtering fryers twice daily and using fewer fryers on quieter days. He also diversifies by offering cheaper fish like hake and sea bass.
Molnar suggests the government could help by staggering the VAT increase back to 20%, which he says was 'too much too soon'. The Federation has called for urgent support to prevent widespread closures, which would threaten a beloved British tradition.
