Even though this isn't in our country, it is a good example of why price controls by the government just flat don't work to anyone's advantage. It's no surprise that the public is nervous about shortages like this, caused by actions of the PTB! Most of us can remember sugar shortages, coffee shortages, and oil shortages here at home...many if not all caused in part by government forms of price control. Something like this could happen here!
Venezuela running out of toilet paper
9:51 am, May 16th, 2013
Venezuela has a potential poopstorm on its hands if it can't wipe out a toilet paper shortage.
Officials said they will have to import 50 million rolls to meet the demand of what Trade Minister Alejandro Fleming called a "nervous population," according to a translation of an article from the state-run AVN news agency.
The government blames the media for provoking fears about scarcity, which prompted consumers to hoard TP.
But businesses and political opposition blame the government's policies, like price controls on basic goods - many of which are reportedly in short supply.
After meeting with Venezuelan paper company PAVECA, which agreed to increase its output, Fleming told AVN he will move to "saturate" the market to alleviate the problem.
AVN reports the typical monthly consumption of toilet paper in the country is 125 million rolls.
Let's hope that price controls by our PTB are a long way off. You never know, though! Nothing would surprise me anymore, ya know?
I think that coffee in the kitchen is a good idea this morning. Some nasty weather is all over the place!
