Beer drinkers across the US stare somberly into their pints, knowing that costs are likely to rise due to a nationwide shortage of carbon dioxide – thanks in part to problems at a Mississippi volcano.
The extinct Jackson Dome volcano has been supplying carbon dioxide for the food industry, among other things, since 1977.
But in recent months, raw gas seeping from a mine has polluted the supply, preventing it from being used for food.
As a result, the beer industry is facing another shortage – after problems that first emerged in 2020 when the pandemic caused problems in the supply chain and drove up prices.
“We’ve been working from delivery to delivery for the last few weeks and we’re certainly concerned about the supply,” said Ronn Friedlander, co-founder of Aeronaut Brewing.
A carbon dioxide plant in Mississippi fed from the extinct volcano. Supply is contaminated, compounding an existing shortage
Pictured is the Denbury operated CO2 pipeline in Mississippi
Brewery equipment at the Denver Beer Company. Industry experts warn of rising prices due to carbon shortages
The Jackson Dome, an extinct volcano, is a major producer of CO2 used in the food industry
He told Axios they are looking at ways to reduce their carbon emissions and capture and reuse the gases released during brewing.
“We’ve looked at carbon capture systems, but the lead times are five to six months, which doesn’t address the current supply issues,” he said.
Another factor, according to the Washington Post, is planned and unplanned maintenance shutdowns at several ammonia plants, which are major producers of CO2. Axios reported that the price of carbon has quadrupled.
Brewers warn a lack of carbon dioxide could push beer prices up again
In July, Everett, Massachusetts-based Night Shift Brewing said they were being forced to scale back production due to the carbon shortage.
“Last week we learned that our CO2 supply has been reduced for the foreseeable future, possibly more than a year until we get more,” they wrote on Instagram.
“Breweries rely on CO2 to make beer, so that was pretty terrible news.
“It looks like this is going to be an issue affecting many local breweries, so we’re likely one of many breweries facing this new threat to our business.”
The CO2 shortage is not the only problem.
According to website Good Beer Hunting, inflation has pushed up the price of aluminum cans by 20 percent in a year, while malt is up 30 percent and shipping is up 50 percent.
Labor costs have increased by 20 percent.
The government’s consumer price index shows beer prices are up 5 percent this year, but Chuck Skypeck of the Brewers Association told WCPO he believes prices could rise.
The Brewers Association has issued guidelines for brewers to help them get the most from their carbon dioxide, including making sure there are no leaks in their lines.
“Our members have faced a long line of challenges, and we have found ways to overcome most of them,” said Bob Pease, the association’s president and CEO.
He told the Washington Post, “We will try to help our members get through this.”
Trudeau sang along with pianist Gregory Charles late Saturday night. YouTube/Canadian Riley
