The cost of fish and chips, a much-loved dish, is set to increase due to the ongoing fuel crisis. The price increase is set to take effect after the Easter long weekend.

Local shops have already warned customers about the increase as they struggle to absorb rising prices of oil, fish, potatoes, and transport.

Fish and Chips Prices to Increase

According to a report by The Guardian, fish and chips shops and their suppliers operate on small profit margins. This means that any price increase anywhere along the supply chain will end up being passed on.

John Susman, the owner of seafood consultancy Fishtales, said that “We’re going to see some fairly sharp increases.”

Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lamber previously noted that “Fuel touches everything in hospitality – every delivery, every supplier, every ingredient and every collection truck that pulls up behind a venue.”

“If government won’t stabilise costs, businesses must be allowed to survive them,” he added, according to news.com.au.

Fish, Potato Costs Go Up

The cost of fresh fish has already risen, and the cost of frozen fish is expected to follow.

Potatoes, on the other hand, remain cheap and in season for now. However, The Guardian points out that the surge in costs will likely affect the next crop.

The price of canola oil, which is commonly used for frying across the country, may also increase.

The Guardian notes that there are countries trying to make fuel out of vegetable oils, which can lead to a bump in prices. Canola oil, in particular, can be refined into biofuel, which can be used to boost the volume of petrol and diesel.