Fish and chips, a popular dish in the UK, have become more expensive. The average price of the British staple, which is popular with families and friends alike, has risen by more than 50 percent.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights the rise in the price of a portion of fish and chips over the past five years. Other popular takeaway dishes such as Indian or Chinese main courses and pizza now cost more too.

Let’s take a closer look.

Prices for fish and chips are rising rapidly

The average price of takeaway fish and chips rose to £9.88 (Rs1,095) in July this year, according to the ONS. This was a 52 percent increase compared to £6.48 (Rs718) in July 2019, reported BBC.

While the ONS says these are estimates, it points out that the cost of a fish meal has increased in percentage terms compared to other popular options for Brits, such as pizza and an Indian or Chinese main course.

Further findings

ONS figures show that prices for other meals in restaurants and takeaways have also increased.

The price of a kebab rose by 44 percent from £5.24 (Rs 581) in 2019 to £7.57 (Rs 839) in 2024.

Britons have to shell out £10.48 (Rs 1,162) for a pizza, compared to £8.06 (Rs 894) in 2019. That’s a price increase of 30 percent.

Those who crave fried chicken and chips will have to shell out 42 percent more for the dish. Prices have risen from 4.73 pounds (524 rupees) to 6.70 pounds (743 rupees) in the last five years.

Prices for Chinese and Indian takeaway meals rose by 29 percent each, with a main course costing an average of £7.14 (Rs 792) and £9.71 (Rs 1,077) respectively.

READ ALSO: Annual inflation in the UK exceeds Bank of England target, first increase this year

Why fish and chips are more expensive

The cost of living crisis in the UK led to a rise in food prices, with British fish and chip shops (or chippies) being particularly hard hit.

According to Daily Mail, The price of fish and chips rose 19 percent from March 2022 to March 2023. The data also showed an average price increase of 13 percent for fast food and takeaway services over the same period.

Chip shop owners blame rising energy costs, tariffs on seafood imports and extreme weather conditions affecting potato crops for the higher price of fish and chips.

Energy costs soared after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In March of the same year, Britain imposed a 35 percent tariff on Russian seafood imports, driving up the price of imported fish.

In conversation with BBCJon Long of Long John’s Fish and Chips in Dorset said: “I have never seen such pressure from cost increases.”

Jon said rising energy and labour costs, tariffs on Russian seafood and poor potato crops had forced fish and chip shops to raise their prices. “It’s not cheap food anymore. I think it’s still good value, but it’s become more expensive.”

Due to extreme weather conditions, it has become more difficult for potato farmers to grow good products.

The latest figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Agricultural Price Index (API) show that British farmers are being paid around three times more than in 2019 due to poor harvests, reported The Telegraph.

Angela Cartwright, owner of the Kingfisher Fish Bar in Salford, said BBC Previously it was said that potato prices were “excessively high”.

“People think fish and chips is a cheap meal but it’s just not. People are willing to pay £15-£20 for a pizza but not for a portion of fish and chips,” she said.

The UK government’s ban on single-use plastics has also added costs to businesses, as takeaway food cannot be sold in single-use polystyrene containers. Daniel Stevenson, owner of a chip shop in Lancashire, said he had to shell out an extra £150 each week for organic containers.

“This is great for the environment, but companies are expected to bear the costs,” he said Lancashire Telegraph.

What else do the ONS figures say?

The ONS report has revealed that olive oil has seen the highest price increase, costing £8.83 (Rs 979) for 500 ml to one litre in July 2024, compared to £6.39 (Rs 708) The Telegraph Report.

The prices of other foodstuffs have also risen sharply. White sugar has risen by 70 percent, frozen beef burgers have cost 67 percent more, baked beans have increased by 66 percent and large bottles of still water have become 64 percent more expensive.

The price of lemons in July 2024 will be the same as in the same month of 2019.

The cost of baked potatoes sold in stores alone fell by 7.7 percent.

With contributions from agencies