A massive shortage of carbon dioxide (CO2) used in food has raised fears of problems in the supply of carbonated beverages in Europe, according to CNBC.
The lack of CO2 in Europe is noted at a time when there is enthusiasm for the Football World Cup, while at the same time due to the summer the consumption of carbonated drinks is high, the publication notes. The crisis has led many major producers in the food and beverage industry to warn consumers of serious shortages in the coming weeks.
The Gas World newspaper - the first to report CO2 shortages across Europe earlier this month - described it as "the worst supply situation in Europe for carbon offsets in decades".
Ammonia plants have traditionally been one of the largest sources of CO2 for food in Europe. However, at least five producers in Northern Europe have scheduled their operations to be suspended early this summer for maintenance reasons.
The largest pub chain in Britain, Wetherspoons, has announced that it will soon be forced to remove some beers and soft drinks from its menu.