Food processors warn gas crisis may shut them down and see food prices rise further
(Source: ABC AU)
Food processors say Australia’s gas crisis is threatening the country’s food security.
Key points:
- Spiking gas prices have put pressure on energy-intensive businesses such as food processors
- The gas crisis might make it harder for food producers and processors to supply Australia
- Food manufacturers want an immediate gas reserve for domestic use
They say the high price of gas is set to push up the price of food and could even disrupt its supply.
The Master Butchers Co-operative (MBL) is just one business facing astronomic price rises for gas supplying its plant in Adelaide’s north.
The cooperative processes most of the by-products from South Australia’s meat industry, turning them into valuable things like tallow and pet food oil.
By-products can not be sent to landfill and there is only limited capacity to compost them.
“Our gas bill has gone from $135,000 a month to $900,000 a month,” CEO Jamie Higgins told the ABC.
“It’s catastrophic for us.”
