Walkers crisps are the latest product to be affected by shortages around the country, after the company said production on some of its “more niche” varieties had been slowed.

But unlike the problems seen in recent weeks that have affected everything from petrol supplies to Haribo and McDonald’s in the run-up to Christmas, the lack of potato-based goods isn’t being caused by the UK’s shortage of HGV drivers.

Instead, a technical glitch discovered as the company was upgrading its computer systems seems to be to blame for the snack shortages.

Walkers has apologised over the issues.

A Walkers spokesperson said: "A recent IT system upgrade has disrupted the supply of some of our products. Our sites are still making crisps and snacks, but at a reduced scale.

"We're doing everything we can to increase production and get people's favourites back on shelves. We're very sorry for the inconvenience caused."

Walkers owner PepsiCo had completed a £14 million upgrade of its base in Beaumont Leys – its largest UK distribution site.

The company has said the problems have now been fixed, but they have caused its factories to run below full production.

Fans of the firm’s most popular products - including cheese and onion, ready salted and salt and vinegar crisps, as well as Quavers and Wotsits cheese puffs - should have less trouble finding their desired snacks on shelves.

Walkers have said production on its “more niche” varieties had been slowed.

Though they did not confirm which lines had been affected, Walkers also produces popular items such as its Oven Baked and ridged ‘Max’ rangers, as well as Monster Munch.

It is expected that the issue could last until the end of the month of November.

“We’re doing everything we can to increase production and get people’s favourites back on shelves,” said the spokesperson.

“We’re very sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

The global supply chain crisis has plagued the UK's economic recovery, leading to increased prices, delayed deliveries and shortages on supermarket shelves.

The pandemic has also affected the number of HGV drivers in the UK, with many European drivers who were still in the UK heading home because of travel restrictions.