The soaring cost of takeaways has prompted calls for Rishi Sunak to boost energy support for small businesses.
The latest official figures show the cost of fish and chips has soared by 19% over the past year, an average increase of £1.44 to £9.00.
The average cost of chicken and chips has risen by 17% to £6.18, an extra 89p. Burgers are also up by 17%, an average increase of 64 pence to £4.35.
Takeaway kebabs are up 14%, delivery pizzas have gone up by 13% while the average cost of a Chinese or Indian takeaway is up 10%.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt slashed energy bill support to businesses by 80% in the Spring Budget from £18bn to £5bn, forcing many small businesses including takeaways to pass on costs to consumers.
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Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called on the Rishi Sunak to reverse the cut.
“The cost of takeaways is soaring, hitting hard-pressed families in their wallets,” he said.
“But instead of helping the government has made this crisis even worse, by slashing energy bill support for takeaways and other small businesses.”
The rising cost of ingredients, cooking oil and skyrocketing energy bills have forced many restaurants and takeaways to close.
In November, even before Mr Hunt’s support cut took effect, Curry industry chiefs told the Mirror at least one restaurant could close its doors every day unless more was done.
Sir Ed added: “The Great British takeaway is under threat as costs go through the roof.
“Rishi Sunak needs to step in and act to save our chippies, curry houses and other high-street takeaways.”
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “We acted swiftly to provide businesses, including the hospitality sector, with an unprecedented package of support. As of April, this has saved them £6.9 billion on energy costs – amounting to around £35 million a day - and enabling some to only pay around half of predicted wholesale energy costs.
“Global energy prices have fallen significantly and are now at their lowest level since before Russia ’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The new level of government support reflects this welcome fall in prices, but we will continue to stand by businesses."
