Energy-intensive industries such as steel, glass, ceramics and paper in the UK are being hit hard as wholesale natural gas prices soar in Europe.
On Friday, a number of British industry leaders held talks with Kasikwarten (Kwasi Kwarteng), secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy. They warned that they would be forced to stop production unless the government responded to the surge in wholesale gas prices.
Gareth Stace (Gareth Stace), director of (UK steel) at the British Iron and Steel Association, said: "if the government does not take any action, then basically we will see more and more frequent shutdowns in the steel industry at certain times and for longer periods of time."
Andrew Rach (Andrew Large), director of the (Confederation of Paper Industries) of the American Paper Industry Federation, also said he could not rule out the possibility that the factory would have to suspend production because of rising energy costs.
David Dalton (David Dalton) of (British Glass Manufacturers Association), the British glass manufacturers association, said some glass companies were only days away from stopping production.
After meeting with industry leaders, Mr Kvorten said he was determined to ensure that the future of Britain's energy-intensive industries was competitive. He promised to continue to work closely with companies in the coming days to better understand and help mitigate the impact of any cost increases they face.
However, some MPs within the ruling Conservative Party want to do more about energy-intensive industries.
Andrew Brigan (Andrew Bridgen), a Conservative MP, said: "I hope the government will provide more support to these industries in the short term to ensure that they do not withdraw from the UK or prevent further investment." I think they want to see a cap on energy prices. "
At present, the British economy is already struggling in the supply chain crisis. After Brexit, there was a shortage of workers in the UK, coupled with the economic pressure brought about by the novel coronavirus epidemic, which has led to shortages in the supply chain of industries ranging from fuel and pork to poultry and bottled water, hampering the process of economic recovery from the epidemic.
