Iran war fuels summer misery fears with food and flights in peril

Iran war fuels summer misery fears with food and flights in perilWith no end in sight for the Middle East conflict, families risk some summer food shortages as a top official said Europe has "maybe six weeks of jet fuel left"NewsGraham Hiscott Business and Consumer Editor15:23, 16 Apr 2026View 5 ImagesLabour peer says those who can should consider buying extra tinned food and other essentialsHouseholds were advised to consider stocking up on certain goods as the Iran war chaos threatened to hit holiday flights within weeks.‌As the Middle East conflict drags on, the energy shock it has unleashed continues to cause economic turmoil that is being felt by ordinary households.‌The threat of worse came as the government drew up emergency plans for a “reasonable worst-case scenario” where the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz leads to a shortage of carbon dioxide.‌Reports say, were stocks to run low, healthcare and civil nuclear energy would be prioritised given CO2 is needed to cool blood supplies, organs and vaccines, as well as for electricity supply. But it raises the prospect of other sectors being left without, with farming, food and drink manufacturers and hospitality among potentially at risk.View 5 ImagesCritics say households are paying the price - dubbed "Trumpflation" - for the US President war with Iran(Image: AFP via Getty Images)READ MORE: Government hits back as Brits handed urgent 'two-month' beer and food shortage warningREAD MORE: UK households urged to stock up on nine items amid Iran conflictCO2 is used to increase the shelf life of food such as salad, packaged meats and baked goods, and is also critical in the process of slaughtering nearly all pigs and more than two thirds of chickens. The gas is also used to make drinks fizzy - and to dispense drinks in pubs - with the threat that any disruption could impact beer drinkers cheering on England and Scotland in the World Cup that kicks off in early June. It is also to...