Concern has been raised after it emerged that 14 takeaways and cafes have been forced to close throughout Derry and Strabane since July.
A "tidal wave" of increased costs including energy bills, food costs, VAT increase, and reintroduction of the highest business rates in the UK are being blamed.
The Takeaway Association said that the closure of businesses in the city adds "more pressure" on the cost-of-living crisis for the employees recently made redundant.
Read more: Poverty group call for emergency rent freeze and eviction law in NI
Derry Chamber of Commerce President, Aidan O'Kane, said that local traders were being left to "fend for themselves".
He added: “What we’re seeing through the closure of these restaurants is the end result of local businesses being pushed to their limits without the support in place to assist.
"Businesses are facing unprecedented economic pressures, manifested in sky-high energy costs and deflated consumer demand as the cost of living bites at households. They cannot be expected to meet these ever-increasing costs alone, while also struggling to pay for stock and ingredients which are also on the rise.
“Time and time again, local traders are being left to fend for themselves without the leadership of local elected representatives to step in with policy solutions.
"The Chamber has highlighted measures, including a rates holiday, reduction in VAT to 17% and for the reduced tourism and hospitality VAT rate to be reinstated for businesses that rely on household disposable income.
“Without political institutions in place at local level, businesses simply are not receiving the level of targeted cost of living interventions needed to stabilise.
"Our recent survey found that the vast majority of our members are being hurt by the lack of an Executive. The Executive and the UK Government need to properly support our businesses, whether that’s through rates reductions, help with energy bills, or direct financial support to help with materials and products.
"Fundamentally, it’s unfair to ask businesses to struggle through this period and introduce cost-cutting measures that will hurt their already very thin margins without providing assistance. The last thing the country – and indeed those traders forced into closure – want right now is another election.”
Meanwhile, Chief Executive of the Takeaway Association, Michael Henderson, said more closures were to come, with businesses across the region 'staring into an abyss'.
He said: “We are receiving heart-breaking calls every day from business owners across all backgrounds who are struggling and fighting to hold on to their business which they have worked tirelessly to create.
“As we enter probably the toughest winter in our lifetime, without urgent intervention from the government I fear the takeaway sector will be further decimated.
“I'm calling on the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government to provide emergency support urgently.
“We need clarity on the energy support package for Northern Ireland Businesses, Reduction on VAT and Business rates relief "
READ NEXT:
Climate-friendly art shop charts highs and lows as it marks one year in business
Community cafe offers struggling public 'judgement-free' help with food
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
