Tokyo International News Agency

It was revealed on the 17th that the popular potato chip "Wasabeef" has been forced to suspend production due to difficulties in procuring heavy oil amidst the escalating tensions in Iran. Yamayoshi Confectionery, the manufacturer, announced a temporary halt in production because heavy oil for the boilers used to heat cooking oil has become difficult to obtain. The resumption date is undecided, causing unrest among consumers. This sudden news quickly spread, primarily on the social media platform "X" (formerly Twitter). Numerous outcry-like comments have surfaced, such as "Wasabeef production suspended!?", "This is bigger than a gasoline shortage!", and "It's my favorite potato chip, this is a problem." Many users have declared they will "stockpile," showing concerns about the product disappearing from stores. Even those who don't usually eat it often reacted with "hearing about the production halt makes me want t...

Yamayoshi Seika, the manufacturer of popular snack foods like "Wasabeef," has announced a temporary halt to its factory operations, sending shockwaves among consumers. This unprecedented situation is attributed to difficulties in procuring heavy oil, which is essential for the manufacturing process, due to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. On March 17, the company explained that as the Strait of Hormuz blockade prolonged, it became increasingly challenging to secure the heavy oil used as an energy source for its factories. Consequently, the company announced that there might be delays in supply or suspension of shipments for some of its products. In response to this news, numerous voices of surprise and sadness flooded social media, with comments such as "Finally, what we feared has come to pass," "I can't believe even Wasabeef is affected," and "It's too sad that heavy oil can't be procured." Concerned about the ...