CO2 availability

[Phish Tank]

For US folks: I went to fill my 10 pound CO2 tank today, and my supplier told me there is a shortage, and he isn't getting his expected delivery of CO2. He said the other place in town that does fills is also running out. I had to call 3 places to find someone that could do a 10# exchange.

Not sure how widespread the shortage is, but if you are planning on getting a fill or exchange, I'd recommend calling first.

The news isn't all bad though. I paid a whopping 41$ for my last fill, and today's exchange was only 33$, so I guess thats a win.

 

[JayP]

Interesting. Hadn't made this connection before:

AI Overview


Conflict in the Strait of Hormuz impacts the global Carbon Dioxide CO2 supply by severely disrupting the transport of natural gas and fertilizers. Industrial CO2 is primarily a by-product of ammonia and fertilizer manufacturing; therefore, when Gulf supply shortages cause European fertilizer production to slow, CO2 output drops sharply. [1]
This CO2 shortage is causing massive secondary vulnerabilities in global supply chains: [1]

• Food Processing & Meat Supply: CO2 is vital for stunning livestock (pigs and chickens) prior to slaughter and for modifying the atmosphere in packaged meats and salads to extend shelf life. [1, 2]
• Hospitality & Retail: Supermarket varieties drop and shortages emerge for packaged goods, baked goods, and carbonated beverages. [1, 2]
• Contingency Planning: Governments—such as the UK during 'Exercise Turnstone'—have modeled worst-case scenarios where CO2 supplies fall to less than 18% of current levels due to protracted blockades and reliance on foreign imports. [1, 2]

 

[BenB]

Ooohhh... I might need to swap out my spare empty. I have a full one, but even if things clear up tomorrow, it could take awhile to get back to normal. We might all be doing the Walstad or Sudipta Shaw method.

 

[Aquajack]

Not in the US but very topical for me. I was looking at my aquarium late yesterday arvo and noticed that my CO2 wasn't being distributed. I knew the power was on, so then looked at the gauge. Oh dear! I need a better warning system! So off to the brewer later this morning. I need a spare.