Venezuelan Food Industry Warns of Possible Upcoming Shortages

January 9, 2003
Snippit:

Caracas, (EFE via COMTEX) -- An association representing the Venezuelan food industry warned Thursday that serious shortages could occur within the next several weeks due to the effects of the ongoing general strike, which has paralyzed portions of the country's economy. Rafael Alfonzo, president of the industry group, said the present fuel shortage as well as the difficulties the sector is having in obtaining raw materials could cause a shortage of a number of food items. Alfonzo said there was no way to ensure that trucks could deliver products or that plastic- or cardboard-packing suppliers would be able to fill their orders. It will also be difficult to obtain the raw materials necessary to produce basic products and the entire food industry's efforts will be directed toward ensuring the supply of staples such as pre-cooked cornmeal, milk, rice, cooking oil, salt, sugar and canned tuna fish, sardines and meat products.

Black Blade: Gee, where have we seen this before? Argentina, Uruguay, former Soviet Union, Indonesia, etc. Along with the petroleum workers strike there is also a bank workers strike. Now food shortages are developing. As always, get out of debt and stay out of debt, stash enough emergency cash for several months expenses, accumulate Gold and Silver as portfolio insurance, and start a storage program of nonperishable food and basic necessities.

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