Venezuela army deployed

to control food production and distribution

Published: July 12, 2016
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Source: bbc

Venezuela's military has started monitoring ports and food processing plants, in a new effort to guarantee supplies of food and medicines.

In a decree, President Nicolas Maduro has ordered the army to co-ordinate the production and distribution of items.

Venezuela is going through a deep economic crisis, despite having the world's largest oil reserves.

Basic products are increasingly scarce and many say they struggle to feed their families.

Mr Maduro says the measure is to fight the "economic war" he claims is being waged against his government by political foes and businessmen, with US backing.

But the opposition says the government has mismanaged the economy, and has called for a referendum to oust the president.

What is behind the shortages?

• Venezuela grows and produces very little except oil and has historically relied on imports to feed its people
• Oil prices have plummeted leaving the government with a shortfall of income
• A lack of dollars means it is struggling to import all the goods its people need and want
• The socialist government introduced price controls on some basic goods in 2003 to make them affordable to the poor
• But up to 40% of subsidised goods were smuggled across to Colombia to be sold at a profit

Mr Maduro created a government initiative called Great Mission of Sovereign Supplying, which will be headed by the country's defence minister.

Among other things, it can establish how purchases and distribution of food, medicine and household goods are made.

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Blogger's note:  What the article leaves out is the actions of the 0.1%.  In the 60s one of the 0.1% sons went tot he college that I attended.  He had in 1960s money a $1500 monthly allowance.  Needless to say he did not finish Freshman Year, as he did not have to for his father was one of the richest men in Venezuela.