“a death warrant for the Great British curry industry."
Curry house bosses have warned that Ed Miliband’s push for Net Zero could wipe out Britain’s traditional South Asian restaurants.
The Energy Secretary’s drive to end gas usage threatens the ovens at the heart of thousands of kitchens.
More than 12,000 curry houses operate across the UK, employing over 100,000 people and contributing £4.5 billion to the economy each year.
Oli Khan MBE, President of the Bangladeshi Caterers Association, said:
“Net Zero could sign a death warrant for the Great British curry industry.
“The reality is the UK’s thousands of curry houses are simply not able to move away from some form of gas and compelling them to do so would force them out of business.”
Traditional tandoori ovens rely on gas flames to produce the intense heat and smoky flavour expected in dishes like naan and kebabs.
Chefs say replacing them with electric alternatives would compromise taste. Installing new equipment could also cost tens of thousands per business.
Curry houses already face rising food costs, energy bills and labour shortages. Indian mains have risen 20% in cost since 2019.
Many South Asians, once the backbone of the industry, have left for other jobs.
Ruhul Hussain, owner of Indian Lounge in Keir Starmer’s north London constituency, revealed his business is “struggling more than ever”.
He said Mr Miliband’s agenda would “destroy many curry houses across the country”.
Mr Hussain blamed increased national insurance contributions and higher energy prices for pushing businesses closer to collapse.
The first curry house opened in London in 1810 and curry recipes have been printed in the UK since 1747.
Chicken tikka masala has its origins widely attributed to South Asian cooks in the UK and is served today in many restaurants around the world.
Conservative Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie and Reform UK’s Deputy Leader Richard Tice have slammed Mr Miliband’s energy plan.
Mr Bowie called the “mad dash to Net Zero by 2050” a “recipe for disaster”.
Mr Tice said it would “close businesses” and “massacre the little that’s left of industry in the UK”.
A Government spokesperson responded:
“Curry houses can continue to use clay ovens under our plans.”
But business leaders remain unconvinced.
Earlier in 2025, fish and chip shop bosses issued similar warnings about the Net Zero drive.
Andrew Crook, head of The National Federation of Fish Friers, said gas is the “most effective way to fry” and said switching to electricity is “not feasible or affordable”.
He urged the Government to protect small businesses central to local communities.
Mr Crook said: “They’ve got to realise there’s a lot of small businesses out there that are often the first place people start working.
“It’s about time the Government recognises that and supports us, because if they don’t we’re going to see a lot of small businesses, after five tough years, decide they’ve had enough.”
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