British firms say CO2 shortages may cause them to shut down within days

Some companies have only a few days worth of the gas, used in a range of processes and products from meat to soft drinks 

As well as putting the fizz in soft drinks, CO2 is used in a range of processes such as vacuum-packing food products. Stock picture

Britain's meat processors will start running out of carbon dioxide (CO2) within five days, forcing them to halt production and impacting supplies to retailers, the UK industry's lobby group has warned. 

A jump in gas prices has forced several domestic energy suppliers out of business, and has shut fertiliser plants that also make CO2 as a by-product of their production process.