Beijer Ref UK, the UK’s largest refrigeration and air conditioning wholesaler, has announced a 60% price increase on R410A refrigerant as the UK faces further refrigerant price increases.
The price increases, which will apply from tomorrow (20 May), also impose a 60% increase on R407C and 35% and 30% increases on R134a and R32, respectively.
Beijer Ref revealed that the F-gas regulations are starting to take real effect, with the market experiencing significant externally-driven volatility and supply constraints. It assured customers that it was taking every step possible to limit increases.
Supplier National Refrigerants predicted rising refrigerant price rises and supply issues in the Cooling Post in March. Commercial director Simon Ravenscroft advised businesses to engage proactively with suppliers and stay informed on availability.
Similar increases are expected to be imposed by other suppliers, and these may not be the last increases this year as the phase down regulations begin to bite.
While Europe updated the F-gas regulation in 2024, bringing in a stricter timeline and further equipment bans, since Brexit England, Scotland and Wales have continued to work to the previous European F-gas regulation 517/2014. Significantly, regulation 517/2014, while banning the use of R410A in single split air-conditioning systems, places no controls on larger VRF systems and chillers.
Virgin and reclaimed R410A is still legally permitted to be used for servicing and maintenance, but with its GWP of 2088, it is particularly exposed to rising costs under the phase down.
The situation will be exacerbated next year when further 23% reduction in the F-gas quota will place additional pressure on pricing and availability.
Meanwhile, last week, the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced a delay to its proposed F-gas phase down steps.
