New Zealand is facing a "chipocalypse" as a potato shortage sparks fears of a shortage of popular snacks.
Heavy rains have wreaked havoc on the island's potato production, with up to a third of crops being wiped out in some regions, BBC News noted.
As a result the potato chip industry, which uses a specific type of potato from affected regions, has taken a direct hit.
Over the past year, prices for potatoes have increased dramatically from AUD $1.63 to $2.12 per kilogram and now local supermarkets have started posting notices in their chip aisles, warning customers that there could be a shortage of stock.
The crises has been dubbed the "chipocalypse" and has already become a hot topic on social media.
While many have made light of the situation, chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand, Chris Claridge, said it was troubling to see a serious shortage have such an effect on a staple food product.
"You can go for a week without politics but try going for a week without potatoes. It is a food staple and this is becoming a food security issue as the effects of climate change take their toll on our potato crop," Claridge said, according to The Guardian.
"Potato farmers have been severely impacted. If they can’t harvest and process, they are not getting their income so there is that monetary impact. It is also quite distressing to be digging up rotting potatoes. It is a very important part of New Zealand psyche having potatoes."
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