The global CO2 shortage continues, with prices of the gas surging due to high energy prices and fertiliser factories shutting down or cutting production levels. The New Zealand food-grade CO2 shortage was driven by the closure of the Marsden Point oil refinery earlier this year, which led many manufacturers to receive half of the necessary supplies. Similar shortages were seen last year in the UK and across Europe in 2018.
The gas had a 28 percent price increase year-over-year for October, as food and beverage sectors compete for the scarce resource. CO2 is used in producing mineral water, soft drinks, and alcohol as a preservative and refrigerant.
The shortage poses a particular threat to the brewing industry.
