First, fuel prices skyrocketed. Now even potato chips are not safe due to the global petrochemical crisis.
Read also: Fear of aviation chaos. See how to save your vacation this summer
Ink problems in Japan
In Japan, a giant in the snack industry Calbee – known for its popular chips – is replacing some of its colorful packaging with black and white after oil shortages related to the Iran war limited global supplies of printing ink, local media reported.
The culprit is kerosene, a chemical product derived from oil used to produce solvents and resins used in printing inks. Kerosene is also a key ingredient in plastics, packaging materials and adhesives. The prices of this raw material have increased dramatically due to the conflict in Iran.
Calbee did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
Japan relies heavily on oil imports, making it particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Read also: No cash and total surveillance. 12 things that surprised me in China
Problems of other Japanese giants
In recent weeks, companies, including a manufacturer of toilets Toto and Panasonicwarned of supply problems and price increases related to petroleum-based materials.
In the food industry, Calbee isn't the only company feeling pressure from oil.
Earlier this month Itoham Yonekyu — a Japanese manufacturer of processed meat and ready meals — announced that it plans to limit the number of colors used on product packaging to reduce costs.
Japanese officials have sought to calm concerns about broader shortages.
On Tuesday, Kei Sato, deputy secretary general of the Cabinet, said there were no immediate problems with oil supplies to Japan at the moment. He added that although 40 percent national supply of kerosene comes from the Middle East, an equal amount is produced domestically.
The above text is a translation from the American edition of Business Insider
