Chip shops across the UK are asking Norway for more fish to help combat rising costs.
Rising energy bills and rising costs for cooking oil, potatoes and fish due to the war in Ukraine have caused the price of fish and chips to rise.
Andrew Cook, who is president of the National Federation of Fish Fryers, will call on behalf of the industry at the Frozen At Sea summit in Alesund, Norway, on Wednesday.
“Most boat owners in Norway produce fish with a head and gut that is then shipped for processing elsewhere,” Crook said.
“I hope to be able to get some boats to change to produce fillets for my industry, as we need as many of them as we can to help keep the price as controlled as possible.”
He added that the industry expects a 35% tariff on white fish from Russia, which will drive up the price of all fish.
“We can’t depend so much on the supplies of a specific nation,” he added.
The cost per pound of Icelandic cod rose from £ 7.80 in October to £ 16, while potato costs have risen by 30%, according to the Daily Mirror.
In May, Crook said chip shops could close due to rising costs and reiterated his warning, saying a third of chips could close and that “action needs to be taken now to make sure we get it done in in the best possible way “.
Image: Andrew Crook is president of the National Federation of Fish Fryers
On March 3, Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen raised the issue with the Commons, telling politicians that the “award-winning” fish and chips stores in his constituency told him that “business prospects have never been more volatile.” with record increases in the prices of fish, batter, fat, wrapping paper and, of course, energy ”.
He said: “Many fish and chips stores are worried about whether they will really survive, so we could have a government statement on what steps the government will take to ensure that they protect the future of our fish and chips stores. part of British life? “
Commons leader Mark Spencer jokingly told lawmakers, “I declare an interest in fish and chips,” before adding, “Takeaway food is an important part of the nightlife.”
“These companies are actually a service they offer to our community and should receive support.
Read more: Climate change could threaten traditional fish and chips. Crisis talks are underway to prevent empty supermarkets.
“I want not only their fish and chips store, but all the fish and chips stores across the country.”
The sanctions imposed on Russia at the end of March led to a rise in prices for the world fishing industry.
According to a 2020 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Russia is one of the largest seafood producers in the world and was the fifth largest producer of fish caught in the wild.