Rising energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East have hit the production of the traditional British dish of fried fish and chips (fish and chips), reports Agence France-Presse.
Before the conflict, British fishermen spent about £5,000 trawling for haddock and cod - the staples of fast food - in the North Sea. Fuel costs have since at least doubled. “On our last trip we spent about £10,000“, a fisherman told the agency. He stressed that at this rate, his additional annual costs could exceed £100,000.
It is noted that rising fuel costs may not have an immediate effect on fish prices, but producers are concerned about a possible drop in demand due to reduced restaurant traffic.
In late March and early April, fuel prices in Europe began to rise sharply against the backdrop of the US and Israeli military operation against Iran and the disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.