CO2 in the US

[BenB]

I don't know where I saw it, but I read somewhere that the US imports its CO2. So people were reporting not being able to get it because it is stuck in the Straight of Hormuz. Who knew? Seems weird to me. Anyway, yeah, it's open now, but it might take awhile to get back to normal supply levels. You might want to check with your vendor if you're getting low.

 

[Scaper26]

I don't know where I saw it, but I read somewhere that the US imports its CO2. So people were reporting not being able to get it because it is stuck in the Straight of Hormuz. Who knew? Seems weird to me. Anyway, yeah, it's open now, but it might take awhile to get back to normal supply levels. You might want to check with your vendor if you're getting low.

This is another example that "shortages" during international events are just capitalist greed. US imports a small fraction of its compressed CO₂ supply, and that too from Canada lol

 

[JayP]

This is another example that "shortages" during international events are just capitalist greed. US imports a small fraction of its compressed CO₂ supply, and that too from Canada lol

I posted this in another thread we were discussing it.

AI Overview


Conflict in the Strait of Hormuz impacts the global Carbon Dioxide CO2 supply by severely disrupting the transport of natural gas and fertilizers. Industrial CO2 is primarily a by-product of ammonia and fertilizer manufacturing; therefore, when Gulf supply shortages cause European fertilizer production to slow, CO2 output drops sharply. [1]
This CO2 shortage is causing massive secondary vulnerabilities in global supply chains: [1]

• Food Processing & Meat Supply: CO2 is vital for stunning livestock (pigs and chickens) prior to slaughter and for modifying the atmosphere in packaged meats and salads to extend shelf life. [1, 2]
• Hospitality & Retail: Supermarket varieties drop and shortages emerge for packaged goods, baked goods, and carbonated beverages. [1, 2]
• Contingency Planning: Governments—such as the UK during 'Exercise Turnstone'—have modeled worst-case scenarios where CO2 supplies fall to less than 18% of current levels due to protracted blockades and reliance on foreign imports. [1, 2]

 

[Scaper26]

I posted this in another thread we were discussing it.

AI Overview


Conflict in the Strait of Hormuz impacts the global Carbon Dioxide CO2 supply by severely disrupting the transport of natural gas and fertilizers. Industrial CO2 is primarily a by-product of ammonia and fertilizer manufacturing; therefore, when Gulf supply shortages cause European fertilizer production to slow, CO2 output drops sharply. [1]
This CO2 shortage is causing massive secondary vulnerabilities in global supply chains: [1]

• Food Processing & Meat Supply: CO2 is vital for stunning livestock (pigs and chickens) prior to slaughter and for modifying the atmosphere in packaged meats and salads to extend shelf life. [1, 2]
• Hospitality & Retail: Supermarket varieties drop and shortages emerge for packaged goods, baked goods, and carbonated beverages. [1, 2]
• Contingency Planning: Governments—such as the UK during 'Exercise Turnstone'—have modeled worst-case scenarios where CO2 supplies fall to less than 18% of current levels due to protracted blockades and reliance on foreign imports. [1, 2]

The US imports 99% of its natural gas from Canada and only imports 10-14% of its stock of ammonia for fert production, so I'm not sure how these statistics line up with the strait closure affecting CO₂ supply significantly. Also, your first source is talking about the UK/EU. I believe that OP is talking about the US.

 

[SmartAlec13]

I don't know if there is an actual shortage on it. Either way, just last week I got a refill at my LFS, no issue and no price increase.

 

[Koan]

AI Overview

 

[JayP]

View attachment 17914

Well, I never said it was accurate. It's just what came up after the most basic search when we were talking about possible fertilizer shortages.

In fact, a co-worker and I were just having this conversation earlier today . When social media first started growing, I saw the great potential, but then it didn't take long to see the really bad side, and I now feel the bad far outweighs the good. Same with AI, it has such great potential to help us, but because there's such little control and regulation, it will probably be the final nail in the coffin.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

I don't know if there is an actual shortage on it. Either way, just last week I got a refill at my LFS, no issue and no price increase.

That’s awesome they do that. What’s the price?

 

[SmartAlec13]

That’s awesome they do that. What’s the price?

I think like $35. Not too bad, only downside is its the same amount regardless of CO2 tank size. I'm just glad I've got a consistent spot for it, and that I can grab some plants on the same trip.

 

[JayP]

I think like $35. Not too bad, only downside is its the same amount regardless of CO2 tank size. I'm just glad I've got a consistent spot for it, and that I can grab some plants on the same trip.

Yeah, it's 30-35 in KC for a 5 lb refill, but most of that cost is labor and the labor is the same regardless of tank size, so each size bigger is only a few dollars more.

 

[gnatster]

Paid 23 bucks for a 5lb refill at the welding gas supply shop last week.