Beer drinkers across the United States are glumly peering into their pints, aware that prices are expected to rise due to a statewide scarcity of carbon dioxide – in part because of problems at a Mississippi volcano.
Since 1977, the Jackson Dome, an extinct volcano, has supplied carbon dioxide to the food industry, among others.
In recent months, however, the supply has become contaminated with raw gas from a mine, rendering it unfit for use in meals.
As a result, the beer business is facing a second shortage, the first of which occurred in 2020, when the pandemic disrupted the supply chain and drove up prices.
Ronn Friedlander, co-founder of Aeronaut Brewing, stated, “We’ve been operating on a delivery-to-delivery basis for the past few weeks, and we are concerned about the supply.”
The Mississippi carbon dioxide plant is fueled by the extinct volcano. The contamination of the supplies has exacerbated a preexisting scarcity.
The Mississippi CO2 pipeline operated by Denbury is pictured.
Brewing apparatus within Denver Beer Company. Due to a deficiency of carbon dioxide, industry experts predict price increases.
The Jackson Dome, a dormant volcano, is a significant source of CO2 for the food sector.
He told Axios that they were looking into ways to cut their CO2 emissions and capture and reuse the gases released during the brewing process.
He stated, “We have investigated CO2 capture technologies, but the lead times are five to six months, which does not solve the current supply issues.”
According to The Washington Post, planned and unforeseen maintenance shutdowns at many ammonia plants that are significant CO2 generators are another concern.
According to Axios, the price of carbon dioxide has quadrupled.
Night Shift Brewing, situated in Everett, Massachusetts, announced in July that the CO2 scarcity prompted them to restrict production.
They said on Instagram, “We learnt last week that our CO2 supply has been terminated for the foreseeable future, maybe for more than a year.”
‘Breweries rely on CO2 to produce beer, so this was terrible news.
‘This seems to be a problem that will affect many local brewers, so we’re likely one of many breweries facing this new business danger.’
CO2 deficiency is not the main concern.
Brewers warn that a carbon dioxide scarcity could increase beer costs once more.
According to the website Good Beer Hunting, inflation has increased the price of aluminum cans by 20 percent in a year, while malt has increased by 30 percent and transportation by 50 percent.
The cost of labor has grown by 20%.
The government’s Consumer Price Index indicates a 5 percent increase in beer costs this year, but Chuck Skypeck of the Brewers Association told WCPO that prices could rise further.
The Brewers Association provided suggestions to assist brewers get the most out of their carbon dioxide, including ensuring that their lines are leak-free.
Bob Pease, the association’s president and chief executive officer, stated, “Our members have encountered a lengthy series of obstacles, and we have found means to overcome most of them.”
He told The Washington Post, “We will endeavor to assist our people in overcoming this challenge.”