UK could face gaps on supermarket shelves by summer if Iran war continues

Shortages of CO2 arising from the Iran war could hit supplies of chicken, pork and fizzy drinks. Photograph: Alex Segre/Alamy

The UK could face some gaps on supermarket shelves this summer if disruption caused by the Iran war continues, with shortages of carbon dioxide potentially hitting supplies of chicken, pork and fizzy drinks.

Government ministers are drawing up contingency plans for a “reasonable worst-case scenario” if the key shipping lane of the strait of Hormuz does not reopen, disrupting supplies of the CO₂ required by the food industry.