Sanctions on Russia Are Pushing Up Fish Prices In UK - Is Fish and Chips Now A Luxury Food?

1st November 2025

Fish prices in the UK have surged recently due to cod shortages caused by sanctions on Russian fishing firms and reduced quotas in the Barents Sea. This has forced restaurants and chip shops to raise prices, cut portions, or risk going out of business.

Fish and chips, once a cheap and cheerful British staple, are now edging toward luxury status. The cost of cod and haddock two of the most popular fish used in UK chippies has risen sharply in 2025.

One major reason is the UK's sanctions on Russian fishing companies like Norebo and Murman Seafood, which were accused of espionage. These firms previously supplied up to 40% of the cod and haddock used in British fish and chip shops.

On top of that, the Barents Sea quota—a legal limit on how much cod can be caught—has been tightened. This quota is jointly managed by Norway and Russia, and the reduced allowance has further squeezed supply.

Panic buying and fears of future price hikes have also contributed to the shortage, pushing prices up by as much as £5 per kilo in some areasMetro.

For chip shop owners, the impact has been brutal. Many have had to increase menu prices by £1 or more, leading to customer complaints and reduced footfall. Some shops report charging over £13 for a regular cod and chips, a price point that's turning away budget-conscious families. Others are struggling to maintain quality, refusing to switch to frozen fish or cheaper alternatives, which could compromise their reputationMetro.

The National Federation of Fish Friers has warned that without government support, many independent chippies could close, leaving only large chains to dominate the market. This would erode the local character and heritage of fish and chip culture across the UK.

UK fish processors source their fish from a mix of domestic waters and international suppliers, including Norway, Iceland, and previously Russia. Recent geopolitical tensions and quota reductions have disrupted these supply chains, driving up costs and limiting availability.

Here's a deeper look at how the UK seafood supply chain works:

Domestic Catch
UK processors receive fish from local fisheries operating in the North Sea, the English Channel, and surrounding waters. Popular species like haddock, plaice, and mackerel are commonly caught here. However, domestic supply alone cannot meet national demand, especially for cod and other whitefish varieties.

International Imports
To fill the gap, UK processors rely heavily on imports:

Norway and Iceland are major suppliers of cod and haddock, thanks to their rich fishing grounds and established trade relationships.

Russia was a key supplier until 2022-2023, when sanctions and espionage concerns led the UK to ban imports from firms like Norebo and Murman Seafood. These companies previously provided up to 40% of the cod used in British fish and chip shops.

Faroe Islands and EU countries also contribute to the UK's seafood mix, especially for shellfish and farmed species.

Current Challenges
Quota Reductions: The Barents Sea cod quota—shared by Norway and Russia—has been cut, limiting global supply.

Rising Costs: Energy prices, fuel for fishing vessels, and inflation have pushed up production and transport costs.

Food Security Concerns: The UK’s open and diverse seafood economy is vulnerable to global disruptions, prompting calls for more sustainable and secure sourcing.

Processing Sector Impact
UK seafood processors are facing shrinking profit margins due to higher input costs and reduced availability.

Many are turning to frozen or alternative species to maintain supply, though this can affect quality and consumer preference.