Pop goes fizzy water as gas supply wanes

♦ Some Co-op branches have run out of fizzy water due to the CO2 shortage.

Earlier this year, there was an unusually high number of factory closures where the gas is produced, leading to lower than normal amounts being available.

Production of goods that rely on CO2 such as fizzy drinks, packaged meat, salads and ready meals was temporarily put on hold, leading to empty shelves in shops.

Yesterday the Co-op tweeted to explain to customers that shortages of sparkling water in stores were down to the shortage of the gas.

It told one customer: “Hi Tommy, I am sorry to say that you will have to stick with Soda Water for now. The CO2 shortage has left a lot of gaps in the shelves there, sparkling water being one of them. We are trying so hard to try and get it to you, so stay strong Tommy, it will all be over soon!”

A Co-op spokesman said it was having a small number of localised availability issues with fizzy water, but it would be back in stock soon.