What’s up with the fishy prices?

A kilogram of fresh fish has almost doubled in price in the past 10 years.

And one fish and chip shop owner is holding his breath, expecting prices to continue to rise in the next year.

According to Stats NZ, the price of a kilogram of fresh fish hit $40 for the first time in September last year. Since then, it has continued to rise

In January, the price was $42.58. In April, it was $42.75. Ten years ago, in April 2013, it was just $27.27.

The increase is also affecting the price we pay at the fish and chip shop. One piece of fish and a scoop of chips increased in price from $7.60 in April 2021 to $9.84 this year.

Rahul Radhakrishnan, owner of New Plymouth fish and chip shop Catch & Co, said he had experienced several price rises for fish in the past six months, and expected more.

Radhakrishnan said the shop was running at a margin of less than 10% due to the price of fresh fish, but he wanted the best quality for customers. ‘‘It’s not enough to run a business efficiently, and there is always a looming possibility of the business to make loss in the future and shut down with any more price increases.’’

The number of people opting for fish and chips as opposed to processed burgers and chicken had also gone down in the last few months, he said.

Daniel Marsic, director of Auckland’s Marsic Fish Shop, said there were many factors that drove prices, including high operating costs.

‘‘The cooking fat we use has doubled in price from around $50 per box, now close to $100,’’ he said. ‘‘My wrapping paper for fish and chips, napkins, plates, power, wages, cleaning gear, have all risen. You also have to factor in if there isn’t much stock on the auction-room floor – then it’s a case of supply and demand, which also drives the price up.’’

A spokesperson for Hamiltonbased Seafood Bazaar said gurnard, snapper and tarakihi fillets were the highest-selling.

Gurnard was $39.95 a kilogram, snapper was $48.95, and tarakihi $38.95 – which had gone up in price over the last year. This was because wages had risen, along with fuel costs and quota pricing, he said.

But he believed that fish was still good value for money, which was why people kept coming back for more, as well as the fact it was low in fat, high protein, versatile and quick to cook.

‘‘A recent purchase of lamb racks were $64.95 a kilogram, which also had about 18% waste.’’