Small businesses in Cardiff feeling huge pressure from rising energy costs, with some shops having to switch fridges and freezers off in an effort to save money. The effects of the cost-of-living crisis on families and individuals has been well documented, with councils across the country - including Cardiff council - opening up some of its buildings as dedicated hubs where people can keep warm.
However, soaring energy prices are also beginning to have a major impact on small shops and businesses. Tweedsmuir Road in Tremorfa is just one area of the city where local businesses are beginning to feel the crunch. Ruhail Shahzad, who runs Tremorfa Superstore, said he has seen his electric bill go from about £900 a month to nearly £4,700.
He said: "It is having a huge impact because obviously it is stress on my wife. She wakes up at night-time thinking how we are going to cope with electric bills. It is taking a toll on my children because we are always discussing - sometimes it turns into an argument." Ruhail said he has had to resort to switching off some of the lights and most of the fridges and freezers in his shop.
