Can you believe it's already been three years since we reported on Covid-related panic-buying that left shelves empty and shoppers frustrated? And it's been a whole year now since soaring flu and Covid cases led to shortages of illness must-haves like tissues, painkillers and loo rolls. And while we had hopes that those days were long behind us, we're sad to report that it's not over: shoppers nationwide have struggled to find everyday items like meat, pasta, eggs and frozen potato products in their local stores.
If you think we're just fearmongering journalists, rest assured that this news comes straight from personal experience. Yours truly had big plans for making spiced lamb meatball orzo and popped down to the shops to pick up the ingredients; what's usually a 15-minute round trip turned into an hour-long excursion spanning four stores in the CBD on the hunt for lamb mince and risoni pasta to no avail. After searching high and low at store numero cuatro, I gave up and opted for the last packet of pork mince on the shelf instead.
What's behind this latest shortage? Well, it's likely a combination of multiple variables including supplier-related disruptions and shifts in consumer buying patterns due to inflation. While grocery chains attempt to combat this problem, it appears we may have to eat bolognese more sparingly for the coming months as supply levels return to normal.