The cost of fish and chips could soar by up to 50% because of rising fuel costs, a UK Government body has warned.
The Sea Fish Industry Authority said rises in the price of diesel used to power fishing vessels would have a “significant effect” on the cost of fish over the next 12 to 18 months as trawlermen struggle to break even.
Research by the non- departmental body found the increase was likely to be between 7% and 50%, with an average price rise of 23%.
The cost of fuel for trawlers has already increased from 31p to 60p a litre in the last year, it said.
This is expected to increase further as analysts predict crude oil prices could rise to £101 per barrel.
“We are now seeing a complete change in the cost of bringing the catch to market,” said Philip MacMullen, head of environment at Seafish.
“There’s a lot we can do to try to mitigate cost increases, including looking at different fishing methods and improvements to gear technology.
“Nonetheless, consumers must be prepared for significant increases if we are to continue to have a viable catching, processing and distribution sector in the UK.”
Fuel-efficient measures being adopted by fishermen include the use of static nets.
But Mr MacMullen said that consumers would have to accept that some price increases were “inevitable”.
He added: “It’s also likely that if current trends continue we will see fishing effort decrease overall and, possibly, the number of boats fishing decline.”
Mike Park, of the Scottish White Fish Producer’s Association, said: “We are a high user of fuel so its price can be an Achilles’ heel for us.”
David Audley, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers said: “We are in a situation where the price of all food is going up.
“However, fish and chips have always remained competitive and I trust it will stay that way.”