Shortage of eggs

CAKES MAY HAVE flown off retailers’ shelves last Christmas, but this year more Barbadians seem to be intent on baking their own.

At least that is what one worker told the DAILY NATION this morning at Popular Supermarket on Spooners Hill, St Michael, shortly after it opened its doors and no eggs were available.

The worker said customers had been buying up boxes of eggs, a vital ingredient in cakes and other dishes, for the last several days. Though no eggs were there at the time, the worker anticipated some should be available later.

She said customers were also purchasing lots of margarine and flour, so she was sure the eggs were being bought for baking.

Meanwhile at Massy Stores Supercentre Warrens, management posted a notice on the shelves informing shoppers there were no eggs in store.

Supervisor Robert Aymes said they had eggs today, but the shelves were fully depleted by 11:30 a.m. He said they received eggs daily, but the demand for Christmas would have caused the shortage.

Aymes said they expected more eggs later today, but wouldn’t get the usual amount because of the shortage. He also said it had affected most of the other branches.

The last eggs on the shelves of Channell Supermarket in Black Rock, St Michael, were sold just after 11 a.m., but a disappointed customer was reportedly told more eggs were coming.

The shortage has also affected those who sell on the streets. (SP/CM)