Some fish and chip shops could soon be forced to close if a shortage of ingredients like cod, haddock and sunflower oil isn’t resolved, an industry chief has warned.
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has claimed that many chip shops have had to close, raise prices or change their menus since the outbreak of war in the Ukraine.
The United Kingdom relies on seafood from Russia, the world leader in exports of cod, as well as potato fertiliser used to make chips.
The NFFF have said supplies of sunflower oil have also been disrupted – half of which comes from Ukraine.
This has had a knock on effect on palm and rapeseed oil that has also risen in price as it is more in demand, according to the Times.
The NFFF has also warned that the government’s hope to put in place sanctions on Russian whitefish will put more of a stress on the ‘sad’ situation.
Russia is believed to make up 45% of global whitefish supply, mainly pollack, cod and haddock
In March, the government had said it would put a 35% tariff on all imports of Russian whitefish.
Andrew Crook, president of the NFFF, said: ‘We need action [from ministers] before long-term damage is done that can’t be repaired.
‘We aren’t after handouts. We are a proud industry. But a lot of businesses will go to the wall and we need a long-term strategy to see us through.’
ABSOLUTE NONSENSE!!!! #FAKENEWS
Quote from the UK fishery.
Cod, a significant fish in UK diets, is primarily sourced from Icelandic and Chinese markets, while UK-derived cod is exported to the EU 27.
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA!!!! #FACT
We are surrounded by the sea. Why would we run out of fish?
Brilliant!!!