Britain’s iconic fish and chip shops are facing renewed financial pressure as rising oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten to drive up operating costs across the sector.
Industry experts warn that the conflict involving Donald Trump, Iran and regional powers could have a direct impact on small food businesses across the UK, particularly energy-intensive takeaways such as traditional chippies.
The warning comes as global oil markets have grown increasingly volatile amid fears that the conflict could disrupt shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.
Any sustained increase in crude oil prices tends to ripple through the economy, affecting transport costs, energy bills and supply chains, all of which are critical to the day-to-day operations of independent food retailers.
Molly Monks, insolvency specialist at Parker Walsh, said small hospitality businesses often feel the effects of global economic shocks faster than larger corporate chains.
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