Refrigerant Price in Europe Surged by 60%, Market Still in Shortage

As refrigerant prices continue to rise in the UK, Beijer Ref UK, the country's largest refrigeration and air conditioning wholesaler, has announced a 60% price increase on R410A refrigerant.

The price hike will take effect from May 20, with R407C seeing a 60% increase, while R134a and R32 will rise by 35% and 30%, respectively.

Beijer Ref revealed that the F-Gas Regulation has begun to take real effect, with the market now facing significant external-driven fluctuations and supply constraints. The company assured customers that it is taking all feasible measures to control price increases.

National Refrigerants, a refrigerant supplier, had already predicted in a Cooling Post column in March that refrigerant prices would rise and supply issues would emerge.

Simon Ravenscroft, Commercial Director, advised businesses to proactively communicate with their suppliers and stay informed about supply conditions.

Other suppliers are expected to implement similar price increases, and as phase-down regulations take effect, this may not be the last price hike this year.

In 2024, Europe updated its F-Gas Regulation, introducing stricter timelines and further equipment bans. Meanwhile, following Brexit, England, Scotland, and Wales have continued to follow the previous European F-Gas Regulation, 517/2014.

Notably, Regulation 517/2014 prohibits the use of R410A in single split air conditioning systems but imposes no restrictions on large variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems or chillers.

Reclaimed and recycled R410A remains legally permissible for use in servicing and maintenance work. However, with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2088, its cost remains at continued risk of increase under the phase-down policy.

In 2027, F-Gas quotas will be further reduced by 23%, adding additional pressure on pricing and supply, at which point the situation will worsen. Meanwhile, last week, the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced a delay to its proposed F-Gas phase-down step.