Sales of carbonated slushy drinks in convenience stores are being limited as suppliers favour the hospitality sector amid CO₂ shortages, sources claim.

Last year, fertiliser firms warned they would stop selling CO₂ due to rising costs of the natural gas.

The chemical, which is used as a major component for higher-end carbonated slushy machines, is a byproduct of fertiliser production.

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Retailers and slush drink companies told Better Retailing CO₂ suppliers were limiting the stock they could buy. One supplier, who asked not to be named, said: “We’re feeling the impact of the CO₂ shortages and it’s become harder to get canisters. When there are these issues, convenience stores get put on the bottom of the list.

“The main suppliers of CO₂ prefer to supply the hospitality industry first.”

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