Airspace lockdown could stall UK food supplies
There is growing concern that the ongoing airspace lockdown, after the volcanic eruption in Iceland created a volcanic ash cloud, could impact upon food supplies to the UK. The food chain is a very complicated issue even though consumers only see the end result and an increase in travel time, cost and lack of availability could filter through to create upwards pricing pressure on UK food imports. This would then have the potential to impact upon the rate of inflation and could, if the situation lasts much longer, become a major problem.
There is already controversy regarding the airspace lockdown with the likes of British Airways and other UK companies suggesting that the skies are now safe to open again but the UK government and the European Union are still unwilling at this stage to lift the ban. There is also the situation regarding potential compensation for British Airways and other worldwide airlines affected by the lockdown and who will actually cover the millions upon millions of pounds in lost revenue and additional costs.
As a UK consumer it is very easy to see food in the shops without being fully aware of how it got there, the route and the cost. However, if the lockdown were to last for the rest of the week it is likely we will see pressure on prices which would open the eyes of many consumers.
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