Hot chip prices to rise as local manufacturer Bendotti Exporters reveals extra cost burdens

West Australians are set to pay more for their hot chips after the State’s only local manufacturer revealed it was paying hundreds of thousands of dollars more for its gas. WA Chips is owned by Bendotti Exporters, the State’s last remaining commercial chip maker. Non-executive chair Brian Piesse said the company’s gas bill had increased 60 per cent from $600,000 last year, forcing the company to cough up an extra $400,000. Mr Piesse said the extra costs — together with rising transport, packaging, potato and cooking oil bills — had forced the Manjimup-based company to hike its prices. “If it was only an increase in the cost of gas, cost of oil or potatoes we probably could’ve absorbed that increase ourselves but when you compound all these cost increases, that’s when it becomes more challenging,” he said. “We have no other alternative than to pass on these increases to the consumers. I suppose the reality will be how long the fish and chips shops can also absorb the price and it’s really decided on what price the people who like their fish and chips on a Friday night are prepared to pay.” Mr Piesse told thewest.com.au it had informed its 10 WA distributors of the price increases on Friday.