The number of people waiting in long lines to buy basic goods has increased in the first days of the year in Venezuela. Hundreds of people can be seen in lines in the country's major towns
Shortage and long lines in Valencia, capital of north central Carabobo state
Year 2015 started with long lines from very early in the morning to nighttime outside grocery stores located in Valencia, north central Carabobo state. Most people stay overnight in line outside supermarkets.
Northeastern Anzoátegui state: lines to buy food on a daily basis
Massive lines and attempted fights and attacks on grocery stores have become business as usual for Anzoátegui state residents. Waking up very early in the morning to secure a good spot in lines outside supermarkets is part of everyday life in the region, for rice, toilet paper, sanitary pads, deodorants, meat, chicken, corn and wheat flour are usually in short supply.
Supermarket employees on edge
As people waiting in lines for long hours become upset, grocery stores employees reveal they are scared, because crowds of costumers often lose control, even if officers of the National Guard are present. Jesús Barrios, who watches the door at a grocery store, says he prays to God everyday to get back home alive. "People are very aggressive and desperate in those crowds. No one wants to work with that kind of violence," he commented.
Northern Aragua state: lines for staples multiply
Lines to get consumer goods become usual several months ago in Aragua state, central Venezuela. However, the situation has worsened over the last few days, to the extend that sometimes supermarkets and grocery stores need to close their doors and only let small groups of costumers in to avoid chaos, fights and even looting.
Margarita Island: People stand in line day and night at supermarkets
In Margarita Island, northern Nueva Esparta state, people have tried to find products at low prices this January in several stores of the region. Regardless of the time, the weather or the distance, buyers wait by the doors of stores until goods are sold.
People wait in lines for buying appliances, vehicle batteries, food, personal care products, and building materials.
Bolívar state: Guayana's residents have been making lines for over a year
A report in November 2014 shows that shortage hit 30.91% in Puerto Ordaz, one of the main cities of southern Bolívar state, and 23.30% in the city of San Félix. According to the study, in Puerto Ordaz, cooking oil, sugar, coffee and powered milk are the most frequent products in short supply. In San Félix, eggs and cooking oil are usually scarce.
Falcón state: lines grow in the Paraguaná peninsula
Long lines can be seen across the Paraguaná Peninsula, northwestern Falcón state, to buy diapers, toilet paper, and soap bars and powder; long lines to buy other type of products, such as tires, medicines, and fabrics are also common.
In Punto Fijo, the main city of the Paraguaná Peninsula, malls and grocery stores have become a constant scenario of lines, as people start to arrive since early hours.
