Beer and fizzy drinks could run out in UK pubs and supermarkets next week due to supply crisis of CO2
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gas that's used to pump into fizzy drinks and beer to carbonate it in pints like Carlsberg and Heineken
BRITAIN could run out of beer as soon as next week because the European supply of carbon dioxide is at an all time low.
The drought comes when spending on booze has increased as football fans stock up during the World Cup.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gas that's used to pump into beer to carbonate it in pints like Carlsberg and Heineken.
Even though Real-ales like Guinness use natural CO2 supplies during the brewing process, they still use the gas in packaging and pouring.
It's also used to give soft drinks bubbles which means fizzy pop like Coke and Fanta are at risk of running dry too.
that supplies could run out as early as next week and compared getting hold of supplies to rationing during the war.
He said: "[The CO2 shortage] has hit at absolutely the wrong time of year – the height of summer and the World Cup is when people want to be down the pub, drinking beer, or they want to get cans to take home.
"We can modify our processes for this week which will see us through… but if it goes on any longer than that then we’ll just have to halt packaging."
The shortage will affect both big and independent brewers, as well as pubs and supermarkets.
Heineken has warned of plummeting stock of Amstel and John Smith's brands.
While Wetherspoon's has warned that anything on draft will be affected as well as some canned and fizzy drinks.
The gas shortage could also cause a lack of supply of fresh chicken, as it is used in the slaughtering and packaging process.
C02 is a byproduct of ammonia production, but supplies began drying up two months ago due to planned shutdowns at some of the ammonia plants.
What is the CO2 shortage?
BEER and fizzy drinks are at risk of running dry as soon as next week because of a European shortage of CO2.
The gas is used to pump into the liquids to make it carbonated - or give it bubbles.
But the meat chain could also be affected by the shortage because the same gas is used in slaughter houses to kill the animals.
CO2 is produced when ammonia is made.
Supplies began drying up two months ago when a few plants shut down for planned maintenence.
But there have also been some unexpected closures too thanks to technical issues.
This has meant that not as much of the gas is being produced and sold on to food and drink manufacturers
But it turned "critical" when technical issues forced other plants to close, threatening to leave beer taps empty, according to .
The shortage could also have an effect on the meat industry as it's often used by slaughterhouses to stun and kill animals.
Brigid Simmonds, boss of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "We are aware of a situation affecting the availability of CO2 across Europe, which has now started to impact beer producers in the UK.
"We have recommended our members continue to liaise with their providers directly where they have concerns over supply."
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Meanwhile there's a double blow for England fans hoping to enjoy a pint during the World Cup - as Russia faces a beer shortage too.
Moscow is being drunk dry by footie fans with supplies taking longer to be delivered due to the football and sunny weather.
Tom Stainer from The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said: "We would encourage anyone who's looking forward to their next pint to take this opportunity try a real ale or a thirst-quenching cider or perry instead."
Gavin Partington, Director General at British Soft Drinks Association, said: "Soft drinks producers in the UK are taking active steps to maintain their service to customers including working with their suppliers to mitigate the impact as well as looking at alternative sources."
Pubs and cafes are hoping to rake in at least £128MILLION during the World Cup tournament as fans flock to their locals.
But watching the games from home and buying your booze from the supermarket will be far cheaper.
We've tested beers from Belgium, Spain, England, Brazil, Germany and France to find out what export scores the most when it comes to taste, price and alcohol content. Find out the results here.
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