The FGC prompted a multi-industry and governmental meeting on Friday over the current carbon dioxide shortage. Held at the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment, it allowed participants to share information and explore potential solutions.
MBIE is said to be monitoring the situation and understands the impact the shortage is having on businesses and consumers. The Government is working on steps to mitigate any impacts, and gas distributors have indicated customers with critical uses for CO2, such as the healthcare sector.
FGC Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley reported the main take-outs from the meeting were confirming there was no obvious solution and an uncertain timeline; as it is a commercial situation, the government is limited in what it can do to influence private companies; repercussions for the shortage will continue to get worse the longer it continues; the situation remains fluid, and industries will be updated as soon as anything is confirmed.
“I have undertaken to lead the coordination of the pan-industry group. We are looking to organise further discussions next week, and I’ll be keeping close to MBIE and MPI officials on the issue. In the meantime, if your company is experiencing difficulties as a result of this and you wish to discuss it, please call me,” said Bleakley.
