In Samoa, a notable shortage of potatoes has affected both major retailers and smaller shops, with most reporting depleted stocks and awaiting incoming shipments. The scarcity has led to increased prices in the few locations where potatoes are still available, with reports of a Vailele resident paying $16 for five potatoes. Ah, Liki Wholesale, and staff from Frankie Supermarket have indicated uncertainty regarding the replenishment of their potato supplies, attributing the delay to recent adverse weather conditions. This shortage has also been felt by Samoa's largest wholesalers, Farmer Joe's and Frankie's, which currently have no potatoes in stock.
Concerns have been raised by the public, including Fa'avevesi Sione, regarding the impact of the shortage on families, particularly for cooking and baby food. The scarcity has prompted individuals to seek potatoes across multiple stores without success, highlighting the reliance on imported goods for staple food items. The situation has been exacerbated by the limited availability of potatoes in restaurants, with Kung Pao Noodles in Vaitele Fou reporting only a single bag left. Elizabeth Vaili of Vaitele expressed frustration over the dependency on imports and suggested the need for local alternatives to mitigate the effects of such shortages in the future.
Source: Samoa Observer