Leaked Government Study Reveals Extent of Shortage Crisis in Venezuela

February 2014 was the last time the Venezuelan government released official figures concerning the lack of basic products in the country. However, thanks to a leaked study conducted by the Office of the Vice President, Venezuelans are now learning their government’s own account of the shortage crisis.+ The document, dated August 14 and released by local media on September 16, reveals that at least 15 food items and 26 cleaning and personal-care products are unavailable in Venezuelan stores. In most cases, the shortage rate surpasses 70 percent. More…