Major shortage of potatoes in the country

There is a major shortage of potatoes in the country.

This has been confirmed by Carpenters Fiji Limited Director Retail and Marketing, Kunaseelan Sabaratnam who said the main reason is due to weather and seasonal conditions in NZ.

Sabaratnam said they are now approaching the ‘New Season’ potatoes, which is their Spring and Summer produce and the ‘ Old Season' potatoes which were from winter are available but not to a consumable quality.

He said this is the main reason for rejection of the Old Season and looking forward to the New Season.

Fijivillage contacted a number of supermarkets around the country who have confirmed that they do not have the supply of potatoes and are not aware when the supply will normalize.

However according to a wholesaler they import potatoes based on customer orders.

They confirm that they still have potatoes in stock.

Meanwhile, Fiji Commerce Commission Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Maharaj had earlier confirmed that consumers can expect an increase in the price of potatoes due to the increase in the buying prices paid by local importers.

He said this will be a short term increase.

According to Maharaj, the current market price ranges between $1.25 per kilogram to $1.63 per kilogram.