Takeaways could be the next thing to be hit with price hikes

"The rise is going to be substantial."

Your favourite takeaway could be the next thing to be hit with a major price hike, thanks to inflation. Members of the Department of Finance say that the cost of staple foods along with takeaway meals could rise before the end of the year. Speaking at a Dáil Committee, Fianna Fáil TD John Lahart said: “I would be afraid, based on strong anecdotal evidence, that we have yet to see the real spike in prices on many food items, including takeaway meals.” He gave an example of a constituent he was friendly with, who own a number of Indian restaurants. Suppliers had been charging €43-€44 for a tray of fresh chicken, but the price has now skyrocketed to €83-€84. If supplier's costs continue to rise in this way, it will no doubt be reflected in the prices of a restaurant or takeaway's food items. "He hasn't put up his prices yet," Mr. Lahart said. "Indian cuisine being hot food, he is holding off for the summer, when such meals are not ordered as much as in the winter. "But he will look at raising prices in September, and I think the rise is going to be substantial." He added that many other food retailers are in the same position and inevitable rises in such items as takeaway meals couldn't be put off for much longer. “I don’t think we have seen the full impact of inflation,” he said. Brendan O’Connor, a principal officer at the Department of Finance, pointed out that food price inflation in Ireland was currently lower than the EU average. He said that the cost of items like wheat and cooking oil were rising around the world because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and this would continue “to have an impact on prices, maybe later in the year”. Meanwhile, Department of Finance officials said that the steps the government has taken to help with the high cost of living were largely benefitting lower-income groups. They said the plan was targeted at such cohorts and appeared to be working at this stage.