This is one of the many consequences of the war in Ukraine: the rise in food commodity prices. That of sunflower oil, in particular, of which Ukraine is the world’s largest producer. An increase suffered by restaurateurs and other managers of kebabs and chip shops. In Nantes, some have been forced to increase the cost of their menus.
Sunflower oil: two to three times more expensive
At the Bistrot Régent, place du Bouffay, it is impossible to do without sunflower oil. “We mainly make fries, that’s the concept of our restaurant”, says Thomas, the deputy director. The prices climb over the weeks, he counts: “This week was 4 euros 20 per literlast week 3 euros 95 and the week before 3 euros.”
The kebab located a few meters away turns a hundred liters of oil per month. The manager gets her supplies from Métro, the restaurant wholesaler where, according to her, the price of sunflower oil has almost tripled. Added to this is the increase in the cost of meat, today Kymet claims to no longer make a margin: “So we work but frankly it’s just to say that we work.”
“As 70% of our supplier’s oil comes from Ukraine, we have no visibility” – Pricilla, manager of a fast food restaurant
While some are trying to adapt and do without oil, for example, by cooking more with steam, in fast food restaurants they are stocking up to cope with the supply tensions. “And in terms of supplies, as 70% of our supplier’s oil comes from Ukraine, we have no visibility”, explains Pricilla, the manager of a burger restaurant.
To limit damage, in this establishment the selling prices have changed. “We increased each menu by 50 cents, says Pricilla. We will be forced to apply a second increase in June because unfortunately it is not just the oil that is more and more expensive. Karim, manager of a chip shop next door, is certain that if prices continue to rise, he will close.