Fast food restaurant giant McDonald’s is planning to raise prices in the UK due to cost pressures linked to the Iran war, The Mirror reported.
McDonald’s UK and Ireland chief executive officer Lauren Shultz told the publication that a “slight price increase” is expected.
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However, she did not say how big it would be or which items would be affected, but added that prices for the Meal Deal and Saver ranges would stay as they are.
That leaves open the possibility of higher prices on other products across its estate, including flagship items such as the Big Mac.
Shultz told The Mirror: “Like any business we have to measure cost pressures with where prices need to go,” while arguing the brand would continue to offer value in comparison with other operators.
“There is a predicted slight price increase,” she added, saying it is “in deliberations” over the timing of any move.
McDonald’s is among a series of food businesses weighing price adjustments in response to a cost surge attributed to the Iran war.
Speaking later on BBC Radio 4, Shultz said: “We have been operating in a volatile, inflationary industry for years now.
“With the volatility, though, we are watching where inflation goes. We have long standing, strong relationships with our suppliers, who have given us a lot of cost certainty.
“We will likely to see some prices go up but in a small disciplined way. It is where customers are willing to pay a little bit more.”
Her remarks come as UK inflation edges higher.
The inflation rate climbed to 3.3% in the year to March, up from 3% in the year to February, BBC reported citing Office for National Statistics (ONS).
ONS said the increase was “largely due to increased fuel prices”, with airfares and food also pushing the rate up.
In the UK, McDonald’s have around 1,300 restaurants, of which around 1,100 are franchised.
