Ineos idles three UK chemical plants, citing high energy costs; thousands of jobs at risk

Ineos has suspended operations at three major UK chemical plants, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Owner Jim Ratcliffe blamed 'ridiculously high' UK energy prices, highlighting the competitive disadvantage faced by energy-intensive industries in the UK. This move signals a potential structural decline in UK manufacturing capacity and could have downstream supply implications for pharmaceuticals, construction, and defense.