Shortages of everything from toilet paper to gasoline have roiled markets and panicked consumers since the start of the pandemic. While much-feared turkey shortages did not materialize to disrupt Thanksgiving, high gas prices — partly the result of an OPEC-led supply squeeze — recently prompted the Biden administration to release 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
The latest shortage threatens to spoil breakfasts and brunches around the world: due to sub-optimal weather conditions in the spring which limited this year’s harvest, we face a maple syrup shortfall. NPR reports:
While high gas prices have pushed President Biden to tap into the US’s strategic oil reserves, America’s neighbor to the north is also dealing with a shortage of another so-called “liquid gold”.
The Canadian group Quebec Maple Syrup Producers recently announced it was releasing about 50 million pounds of its strategic maple syrup reserves — about half of the total stockpile. […]
This is a seasonal process though, as maple sap can only be harvested in specific weather conditions. So, this year’s short and warm Spring resulted in an uncharacteristically low yield for producers.
“That’s why the reserve is made, to never miss maple syrup. And we won’t miss maple syrup!” said Helene Normandin, the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers’ communications director.
