Pubgoers could be drinking flat beer due to a lack of CO2 – thanks to rising natural gas costs.
Key producer CF Fertilisers has paused the manufacturing of ammonia, which has fizz-creating CO2 as a by-product.
And the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said the decision “couldn’t be worse” considering other strains on supply chains.
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BBPA boss Emma McClarkin said: “This decision raises serious concerns for the sustainable supply of CO2 to the brewing and pub industry.
“A guaranteed supply is essential for operations across pub and brewing businesses and this announcement comes at a time when they are already facing extreme cost rises that are threatening businesses and livelihoods across the country.”
CF Fertilisers, one of our biggest CO2 producers, said it had no choice but to temporarily shut its plant, in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees.
It said prices for natural gas used in its process were “uneconomical” since hitting twice the level they were a year ago.
Ministers are calling for the industry to make sure it “acts in the interests of the public and business to do everything it can to meet demand”.
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This news comes after news that beer prices are set to skyrocket due to various breweries facing higher electricity, carbon dioxide and malt costs.
A price of a pint currently stands at £3.95 on average, but a 6% rise could be in the works as the UK's drought issues has caused a hop shortage which is a flower that are used as a bittering, flavouring, and stability agent in beer.
According to Suffolk brewing giant Adnams, they've warned customers that its production costs could rise by up to 30% this year with experts predicting price surges of 6% in pubs, bars and diners.
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