Wrexham and Flintshire fish and chip shops battered by rising prices

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that 48% of adults said they were finding it “very or somewhat difficult” to afford their energy costs in a survey between August 31 and September 11.

This rising cost is not just affecting households but also businesses, takeaways and specifically fish and chip shops. 

READ MORE: Fish and chips one-week price hike warning after UK heatwaves

Alex Valyandis, owner of the Big Fish in Mold, said the cost of living "has had an impact as everything has gone up."

Mr Valyandis, who comes from a Cypriot family full of fish and chip shop owners, took over the business earlier this year. 

The family has been running fish and chip shops in the UK since the 50's and in North Wales for nearly 50 years.

Although the business at The Big Fish is doing well, he also recognised that for those in the industry the profit margins have significantly decreased due to the increasing costs. 

He said: "The price for the fish has gone up three or four times over the last 10 years."

According to figures based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation, published by the Office for National Statistics, in the last 12 months alone, the price of fish has gone up by 14.1%.

Nick Padda, owner of George's Plaice in Coedpoeth, Wrexham, feels that "concerning is not even the word" to describe the situation for fish and chip shops. 

READ MORE: Mold Fish and Chip shop in a good 'plaice' with new owners

While he is also impacted by the increase in price for fish, he has worries about the increasing pricing across the board. 

He said: "Fish has basically tripled, packaging, peas - basically everything."

The recent heatwaves have also caused an increase in the price of potatoes, which is an added pressure that fish shop owners were not expecting. 

Mr Padda continued: "Potatoes should be coming down in price but they are going up. 

"Everything has just gone up."

Office of National Statistics say that in 12 months the price of potatoes has increased by 16.1%, margarine or vegetable fat 25.6% and olive oil by 26.6%. 

George's Plaice has been running for around 80 years, and Mr Padda has been the owner for 13 years. 

However, with the increasing costs Mr Padda expressed concerns for not only his own business but also the future of chip shops in the UK. 

He said: "If nothing is done to help businesses we won't survive."

"People can't afford £20 for a fish and chips, it used to be a cheap dinner however now it is a luxury meal."

Despite the UK being warned that the price for Fish and Chips could increase to over £10 earlier this year, both of these local fish shops currently have their prices below £8 for fish and chips. 

However, with the increasing costs who knows how long they are able to retain this price point, as Mr Valyandis said: "If it goes up for us then unfortunately it goes up for them."

• Cost of living crisis UK: Our mission to help you save money