UK Prepares for Food Shortages Caused by Iran War CO2 Crunch

The UK has drawn up plans to prepare for potential food disruption as the Iran conflict causes a drop-off in supplies of carbon dioxide used widely in the industry.

In a “reasonable worst-case scenario,” officials don’t foresee aisles of empty shelves but do expect a lack of product variety in shops if the Strait of Hormuz — the key waterway in the Gulf where trade has all but ceased since the war erupted — has not reopened by June.

Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is vital for the food industry because it’s used in packaging, brewing, fizzy drinks and the slaughter ...