Shortages could cause ‘a third’ of fish and chip shops to SHUT

UP to “a third” of fish and chip shops could CLOSE due to food shortages, industry leaders have warned.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis could cause chippies to shut, raise prices or change their menus, The National Federation of Fish Friers told Sky News.

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Supply of four key ingredients used to make a traditional fish and chip supper are under threat.

They are: oil, fish, potatoes, and flour.

Ukraine supplies roughly 50% of oil used by UK fish and chip shops, and up to 40% of cod and haddock is bought from Russia.

The price of fertiliser for potatoes, which is mainly sourced from Russia, has gone up.

While flour, which is used to make batter, is mainly bought from the region too.

But as the conflict continues, all of these products are in short supply – and it means costs are rising.

George Morey, 29, who manages the fish and chip shop Knights in Glastonbury, told Sky News that it is a “real concern” if there will be enough fish should stores refuse to buy Russian white fish.

While the shop could consider removing fish and chips from the menu if prices keep rising, Mr Morey said.

He said: “I think it’s possibly the biggest challenge the fish and chip industry has faced, ever.”

While James Lipscombe, who owns 40 fish and chip shops across the country, said he has had to offer cheaper fish to customers to keep costs low – like hake.

“Week on week I’m seeing shops close and it’s a really sad state of affairs,” he told Sky News.

Fish and chips isn’t the only food under threat from the ongoing crisis.

A potential wheat shortage could mean you might find it harder to buy the bread or beer you want.

It’s because Russia and Ukraine produce nearly a third of the world’s total wheat supply.

But although experts have raised concerns about shortages, it’s important that shoppers do not panic.

Just because a product is in short supply or is limited in stores does not mean shelves will be bare like they were during the peak of the Covid pandemic.

While it might mean the exact variety of product you want may not be in the shops, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get it at all.

Here’s the list of products hit by shortages and ration limits.

Price hikes have also been fuelled by soaring inflation – which has hit 7%.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk