There is a shortage of potatoes with most major retailers and suppliers saying their stocks have run out and they are awaiting the next shipment.

The little shops that have potatoes in stock are selling them at inflated prices. A Vailele woman claimed she paid $16 for five potatoes. 

Ah Liki Wholesale stated they were unsure of the exact date when supplies would come in but they had been in short supply for some time.

Frankie Supermarket staff said their potato stock had run out almost a month ago. The supermarket employees said the weather from last week caused a delay in shipment, which they are certain has caused problems for many.

Despite being Samoa's largest wholesalers and supermarkets, Farmer Joe's and Frankie's also don't carry any potatoes. 

“It is acceptable for stores to have not enough potatoes due to shipment delays, but families need them for cooking and baby food because some of our kids only eat potatoes that they can eat,"  a concerned member of the public Fa'avevesi Sione stated.

Fa'avevesi Sione has made trips to several stores but has had no success in buying potatoes. 

"Since I am familiar with our nation and the restaurants that use potatoes in their menu items, there should be additional approaches to obtain more potatoes shortly," he said.

“Since last week, we have been searching every store for a location to buy potatoes, and each store's employees have informed us that they are experiencing a shortage of potatoes due to the delayed shipment caused by last week's terrible weather.

The only restaurant in Vaitele Fou with potatoes was Kung Pao Noodles. However, they had just one bag left and they were unsure where to find more if they used it up.

The supply chain over the years has impacted many products. From meat, vegetables, sugar and even raw products.

Elizabeth Vaili of Vaitele is concerned about the heavy reliance on imported food.

"This shortage shows that we do not have local alternatives. I am tired of listening to all this shortage of this and that. We need to plant our own," she said.

"Maybe, we cannot plant potatoes but we can have alternatives. I think if the ships are delayed by more than a month, we have people starving."