Southport chip shops battered by Ukraine crisis

Fish and chip shops in Southport are feeling a major side effect of the war in Ukraine and could struggle to survive, industry leaders have warned.

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has warned the four key ingredients that make up a traditional fish and chip meal are deeply affected by the on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

They say it will lead to, or in some cases has already forced, chip shop owners to drastically change their menus and supply chains.

The NFFF says this can’t continue and there is a real fear some Southport ‘chippies’ could end up closing in the long term.

Chip shops in Southport are mainly reliant on Ukraine for sunflower oil. The NFFF has said 50% of oil used by British fish and chip shops comes from the war-stricken country – and alternatives like rapeseed oil and palm oil have shot up in price.

Up to 40% of cod and haddock comes from Russia – and Britain’s sanctions on Russian white fish will make these North Sea supplies scarcer and pricier.

Fertiliser for potatoes – mainly from Russia – have tripled in price. Flour, used for fish batter mixes, also hails from the region.

A government spokesperson said it will “continue to speak with the industry body, the National Federation of Fish Friers, and other sector representatives about current pressures they face.”