McDonald's to raise price of a cheeseburger for first time in over 14 years

McDonald's UK has increased the price of its cheeseburger for the first time in over 14 years to combat rising inflation.

The fast-food chain said it was having to make "tough choices" with several menu items due to rise in price by between 10p and 20p this summer.

From today (27 July) the cost of a cheeseburger has increased from 99p to £1.19.

The price of some menu items will remain unaffected, while others will vary across the chain's restaurants.

In an email to customers this morning, McDonald's UK and Ireland chief executive Alistair Macrow said: "We know things are tough right now. We're living through incredibly challenging times and we're all seeing the cost of everyday items, such as food and energy, increase in a way many of us have never experienced. Just like you, our company, our franchisees who own and operate our restaurants, and our suppliers are all feeling the impact of rising inflation.

He added: "We understand that any price increases are not good news, but we have delayed and minimised these changes for as long as we could. We will continue to listen to what you want from us and work tirelessly to find solutions to today's cost challenges affecting our business."

McDonald's first opened in the UK in 1974 and now has more than 1,270 restaurants across the country and employs over 120,000 people.

The war in Ukraine has contributed to a rise in the cost of fuel and food, with UK Consumer Price Index inflation hitting 9.4% in June. This prompted renewed calls for a cut in VAT to help businesses cope.

Hospitality businesses have had to raise prices and cut trading hours to combat spikes in their energy bills.

Image: Love Solutions / Shutterstock