Oxfordshire chippy warns of chip price increase amid drought

Harrison Fish and Chip Co on Elms Parade, Botley has warned that the sale of their chips might increase following continued dry weather.

In a statement the company said: “You’ve probably noticed just how dry the countryside is looking at the moment and the current drought is having a very real impact on British agriculture.

“As of 10 August, around 71 per cent of England is officially in drought, affecting approximately 45 million people. England and Wales have also just experienced their driest July in around 190 years, with parts of the South East receiving just 1% of their expected rainfall.

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Ryan Harrison, founder of Harrisons Fish & Chips in Elms Parade, Botley (Image: Ryan Harrison)

“For farmers, conditions like these are incredibly challenging.

“Potatoes need a reliable supply of water while they’re growing, and prolonged hot, dry weather means crops can struggle to develop properly.

“Earlier Environment Agency figures were already showing record soil moisture deficits across several parts of England, alongside restrictions on agricultural water abstraction.

“The availability and cost of potatoes are being affected, and we’re being warned to expect significant increases in the price we pay for our potatoes.

“I’m currently working closely with our suppliers to understand exactly what those increases are likely to look like over the next couple of weeks.

The fish and chip shop is one of the UK’s best (Image: Ryan Harrison)

“As always, we’ll do everything we can to manage increases sensibly while continuing to use the quality potatoes our customers expect.”

The fish and chip shop on Elms Parade in Botley is one of the UK’s best and has won many awards.