Food shortages

The fish and chip business is pleading with the government to provide a “long-term approach” to their food scarcity situation, or a third of chip shops will close.

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has warned that the four key ingredients in a traditional fish and chip meal are being negatively impacted by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, forcing businesses to change their menus, raise prices, or, in the worst-case scenario, close down.

Sunflower oil is mostly imported from Ukraine. According to the NFFF, 50 percent of the oil used in British fish and chip restaurants originates from the war-torn Syria, while alternatives like as rapeseed and palm oil have increased in price.

Russia contributes up to 40% of cod and haddock, and Britain’s restrictions on Russian white fish will make these North Sea sources more limited and expensive.

Potato fertiliser, primarily from Russia, has quadrupled in price. The region also produces flour, which is used in fish batter mixtures.

As a result, there is a global shortage of crucial components, resulting in rising costs and decreasing profit margins.

Knights is a Glastonbury fish & chip business.