BUTCHERS ARE THE latest business people to sound the alarm about the impacts of the current fuel crisis on their industry.

The Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland today warned that if costs inflated by the ongoing war in the Middle East remain high, many independent butchers will not survive.

John Molloy, president of the representative group, said the price of fuel affects every aspect of the butchery business.

“From the transport of livestock and deliveries from suppliers to the distribution of products to customers, fuel costs are driving up expenses at every stage of the supply chain,” he said.

“Our members are being hit repeatedly,” he said. “Every delivery costs more, every collection costs more, and every product we source is becoming more expensive because of fuel. These are not costs we can avoid.

“Unlike large retailers, small family-run butcher shops don’t have the scale to cushion these rising costs,” Molloy said.

“At the same time, we are very conscious of our customers, who are also struggling with the rising cost of living. Passing on the full extent of these increases simply isn’t realistic.”

Molloy said that fuel costs are no longer “just another business expense”.

“They have become a critical issue that threatens the survival of independent retailers. We need urgent and meaningful intervention to ensure that small businesses can continue to serve their communities.”