“Shelves are emptying”: residents of Northern Cyprus report shortage of basic goods

Northern Cyprus is experiencing a sharp reduction in stock at wholesale warehouses, raising concerns about potential shortages of basic goods. According to trade representatives, warehouses are rapidly running out, especially in the categories of food and household chemicals.

The situation has worsened in recent months: delivery volumes have decreased by about 20%, and delivery times have increased from two–three days to seven–eight days. In some cases, delays reach up to two weeks. Shortages are especially acute for flour, sugar, oil, and cleaning products.

The main causes are rising production and transport costs, as well as logistical disruptions between Turkey and Northern Cyprus. Some suppliers report payment issues and port congestion, leading to disrupted schedules. Additional pressure comes from unofficial retail purchases, when goods are bought directly from distributors in bulk.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry stated that it is monitoring the situation and preparing measures to stabilize supply — including creating reserve stocks and seeking alternative delivery routes. The ministry urged residents to remain calm and avoid creating artificial demand to prevent price spikes and panic buying.

Economists warn that if current trends continue, by the end of the year there could be local shortages of certain categories of goods. Experts advise businesses to plan purchases in advance and authorities to expedite efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply through Turkish ports.