LONDON - Britain risks shortages of chicken, pork and other commodities this summer due to tensions in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, The Times newspaper reported, citing a confidential government analysis.
The government is said to have prepared an emergency plan to deal with the "worst-case scenario", with concerns that a blockade of Hormuz could disrupt the supply of carbon dioxide crucial to the food sector. The plan assumes the blockade will last until June 2026.
Carbon dioxide plays a role in extending the shelf life of products such as salads, packaged meats, and baked goods. The gas is also used in the slaughter process of almost all pigs and more than two-thirds of chickens.
The beverage industry is also at risk because carbon dioxide is used to carbonate drinks. Concerns have emerged that a potential shortage of beer could occur in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11.
However, it is not expected that there will be a critical shortage of food supplies, but the variety of products in stores will likely decrease, according to the report, which quoted a number of related officials.
In the event of a shortage of carbon dioxide, the government will prioritize the nuclear and health sectors, where the gas is used to produce dry ice that serves to cool donor blood, organs, and vaccines.
In the event of a shortage, Britain will increase carbon dioxide production by reducing production in other sectors and easing antitrust rules.
Government sources confirmed to the media, the worst scenario is part of routine planning, not a prediction.
On Saturday (11/4), Iran and the United States (US) held talks in Islamabad after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire deal with Tehran.
On Sunday (12/4), the head of the US delegation, Vice President J.D. Vance stated that both parties failed to reach an agreement.
On Monday (13/4), the US Navy began imposing a blockade on all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, which includes about 20 percent of the world's oil, petroleum products, and LNG supplies.
Washington insists non-Iranian vessels can still pass through the Strait of Hormuz as long as they do not pay a fee to Tehran. Iranian authorities have not announced the implementation of the levy, but have discussed plans in that direction.
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