UK could face food shortages in worst case Iran war scenario

The UK could face some food shortages by the summer under a worst case scenario of the Middle East conflict drawn up by government officials.

Staple items such as chicken and pork could run low amid fears that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could reduce domestic supplies of carbon dioxide, which is used in the slaughter of some animals and in food preservation.

A government source told the BBC it was planning for a worst case scenario, which would involve the continued closure of the strait and breakdowns in the domestic supply of carbon dioxide.

The source stressed the planning was not a prediction of what will happen, and did not suggest there would be a lack of food supplies.

The planning by government officials was first reported by the Times.

Speaking to Sky News on Thursday, Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the availability of carbon dioxide was not a concern for the British economy "at this moment."

"Right now, people should go on as they are," he said.

Petrol and diesel prices have soared since the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February and Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz - a crucial global waterway for oil and gas transport.

Iran's blockade has led to higher costs globally for fuel and fertiliser, both crucial elements of food production.

Earlier this week the International Monetary Fund warned that the war could plunge the global economy into recession, with the UK set to be the hardest hit of the world's advanced economies.

US President Donald Trump has suggested talks aimed at ending the war in Iran could resume this week, after negotiations collapsed at the weekend, prompting the US to blockade Iranian ports.