Now we face the £6 fish supper

Published on Friday 23 May 2008 22:25

SCOTLAND's favourite dish, the fish supper, is set to soar in price by up to 50 per cent because of rising fuel prices, food industry leaders have claimed.

A fish supper is likely to cost about 6 this time next year – the current average is about 4.50. Experts also warn that other food prices will continue to rise, including staples such as bread, butter and milk.

If bread prices increase at the same rate as in the past year, an average wholemeal loaf will cost 1.40 by this time next year.

Analysts say the rise in food prices is partly due to the soaring price of fuel, and also to increased worldwide demand for dairy products, poor wheat production after last year's floods and loss of land to biofuels.

The Sea Fish Industry Authority has warned that the price of fish could go up by up to 50 per cent over the next year, as diesel costs rise.

They said the cost of fuel for fishermen has already increased from 31p to 60p a litre and analysts predict crude oil prices could rise even further.

"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. Nonetheless, consumers must be prepared for significant increases in the cost of seafood if we are to continue to have a viable sector in the UK."

Richard Dodd from the Scottish Retail Consortium said:

"Fuel is a key cost for retailers in a couple of different ways. One is that transport is important for retailers and also that food costs feed into manufacturing costs and the cost of production for people like farmers."

He thinks there "may be more of the impact of these cost prices to be felt" and that it is unlikely food prices will return to last year's levels but he expects a slow-down in rises eventually.

He added: "We have to get these food prices into perspective. Nothing has gone up by 50 per cent and I don't think it will in the near future."

Mike Park, of the Scottish White Fish Producer's Association, said: "We are a high user of fuel and are extremely dependent on it. In some cases, fuel is 50 per cent of operating costs, which is a huge amount.

Diesel in the Outer Hebrides has hit 1.42 a litre.

Nation's favourite in numbers

8,500

The estimated number of fish and chip shops across the United Kingdom – that's 12 for every one McDonald's outlet.

1860

The date when Britain's first chippie is believed to have opened its doors.

300 million

The total servings of fish and chips in Britain recorded during the last detailed annual consumer survey in 1995 – that's about six servings for every man, woman and child in the country.

4,000

The current record for the largest number of portions sold in a single day by an independent fish and chip shop in Britain.

31p

The average price per litre being paid for marine fuel – subsidised red diesel – paid by Scottish skippers last year.

60p

The current average price being paid for marine fuel by Scottish boats.