Remember the great toilet paper panic of 2020? Or the egg shortage that had us all checking multiple stores just to find a dozen? Well, grab your shopping trolley because Australia's supermarket shelves are facing another familiar scenario—this time, it's potatoes that have gone missing.
Shoppers across the country are discovering bare potato aisles where rows of trusty spuds once sat.
What started as scattered reports from individual stores has now been confirmed as a nationwide shortage affecting fresh table potatoes from Queensland down to Victoria.
What's really happening in the potato patch
South Australia, which produces about 80 per cent of the nation's potatoes, has been hammered by extreme weather conditions.
Extreme heat and severe frosts in key growing regions have created what industry experts are calling one of the toughest seasons in a decade.
Unlike previous food shortages that often caught everyone by surprise, this one follows a predictable seasonal pattern—but Mother Nature has made it much worse than usual.
It's normal for there to be a small dip in supply this time of year as last year's potato crop dwindles and retailers wait for the arrival of the new season's harvest.
However, the drought conditions followed by damaging frosts have turned a typical seasonal transition into a significant supply crunch.
'We are seeing lighter-than-usual supply levels'
The good news? The shortage isn't affecting the processing sector—companies like McCain and other frozen chip manufacturers have plenty in storage.
So your frozen oven chips are safe, unlike during the 2022-2023 shortage when frozen potato products were limited to two packets per customer at Coles.
The hip pocket reality
Here's where it hits home for anyone managing a household budget: In some cases, the average cost of a tonne of spuds has tripled in northern Australia as distributors scramble to secure supplies.
The wholesale price increases are already flowing through to supermarket shelves, with the price of spuds likely to rise as a result of the shortage.
Current retail prices in Sydney are sitting around $3.74 per kilogram - a significant jump that's particularly noticeable for families trying to stretch their grocery dollar.
Which states are affected?
The shortage is being felt across South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Queensland, with some regions hit harder than others. Independent grocers with diverse supplier networks seem to be managing better than the major chains.
Smart shopping strategies for the spud-less
Don't panic-buy (we've all learned that lesson), but do adjust your shopping approach. Here are some practical alternatives that won't break the budget:
- Check the freezer section: Frozen chips and roast potatoes are still available—just make sure they're Australian-made
- Sweet potato substitution: They're nutritionally superior and currently unaffected by supply issues
- Try different stores: Some independent grocers with multiple suppliers are maintaining better stock levels
- Consider other root vegetables: Parsnips, turnips, and carrots can fill the gap in most recipes
When will normal service resume?
The timeline isn't as rosy as initially hoped. While supermarkets suggested 'supply to be refilled in the coming weeks', industry experts paint a different picture.
Realistically, we may not be back to a normal supply season until December at the earliest.
Some industry insiders expect the low potato supply to last for another month, despite the upcoming season harvest.
The new crops that are starting to come through will need time to reach full production and distribution.
The bigger picture
This shortage highlights a concerning trend in Australian agriculture. The Australian Bureau of Statistics registered 87,800 agricultural businesses in 2021-22, compared to about 134,000 in 2009-10 - roughly a 35 per cent reduction.
Australia heavily relies on a few groups of potato farmers and distributors. As a result, failures at any stage of the supply chain emerge quickly as severe shortages.
Shopping tips during the shortage
- Check frozen sections for Australian-made potato products
- Try sweet potatoes as a nutritious alternative
- Shop at independent grocers with diverse suppliers
- Don't panic-buy—supplies will eventually normalise
- Consider other root vegetables for your favourite recipes
A familiar Australian story
First it was toilet paper, then eggs, and now concerns about another product shortage. Each time, we adapt, find alternatives, and get through it together.
The potato shortage serves as another reminder of how quickly our food supply can be disrupted by weather events—something that's becoming increasingly common.
While it might take until summer to see fully stocked potato shelves again, there are plenty of ways to keep nutritious meals on the table without breaking the budget.
Sometimes these disruptions even introduce us to ingredients we might not have tried otherwise.
What alternatives have you been trying during the potato shortage? Have you discovered any new favourite vegetables, or do you have tips for fellow shoppers navigating the empty shelves? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://au.news.yahoo.com/fears-of-...orths-left-barren-the-new-eggs-202519953.html
Australian Potato Shortage Deepens as Climate Change Crop Damage and Supply Chain Struggles Hit Supermarket Shelves | PotatoPro
Cited text: Extreme weather is affecting crop yields and creating widespread shortages in South Australia, which grows about 80 per cent of the nation's potato...
Excerpt: South Australia, which produces about 80 per cent of the nation's potatoes, has been hammered by extreme weather conditions
https://www.potatopro.com/news/2025...change-crop-damage-and-supply-chain-struggles
Aussies hit with nationwide potato shortage after ‘toughest season’ in a decade
Cited text: Adverse weather conditions have severely impacted crop yields, particularly in South Australia, which accounts for 80 per cent of the nation's potatoes.
Excerpt: South Australia, which produces about 80 per cent of the nation's potatoes, has been hammered by extreme weather conditions
https://www.potatonewstoday.com/202...o-shortage-after-toughest-season-in-a-decade/
Aussie potato prices could rise amid a nationwide spud shortage | Stock & Land | VIC
Cited text: Extreme heat and servere frosts in key growing regions are to blame, industry insiders say, with concerns the shortage could contribute to a modest pr...
Excerpt: Extreme heat and severe frosts in key growing regions
https://www.stockandland.com.au/sto...s-could-rise-amid-a-nationwide-spud-shortage/
Australian Potato Shortage Deepens as Climate Change Crop Damage and Supply Chain Struggles Hit Supermarket Shelves | PotatoPro
Cited text: Australians are being hit with a potato shortage, with growers having experienced what they say has been one of the toughest seasons in a decade.
Excerpt: one of the toughest seasons in a decade
https://www.potatopro.com/news/2025...change-crop-damage-and-supply-chain-struggles
Aussies hit with nationwide potato shortage after ‘toughest season’ in a decade
Cited text: Australia is experiencing a potato shortage due to one of the most challenging growing seasons in a decade, as reported by Yashee Sharma for 9News.
Excerpt: one of the toughest seasons in a decade
https://www.potatonewstoday.com/202...o-shortage-after-toughest-season-in-a-decade/
Fears of product shortage for pantry staple as Woolworths left barren: 'The new eggs'
Cited text:
Aussies take aim at hidden killer on supermarket shelves · 
Coles, Woolworths, Aldi in firing line over new scheme after $16m disaster · It's norma...
Excerpt: It's normal for there to be a small dip in supply this time of year as last year's potato crop dwindles and retailers wait for the arrival of the new season's harvest
https://au.news.yahoo.com/fears-of-...orths-left-barren-the-new-eggs-202519953.html
Aussie potato prices could rise amid a nationwide spud shortage | Stock & Land | VIC
Cited text: The shortage of potatoes is not affecting the processing sector, the likes of McCains and crisping and french fry companies, though due to an abundanc...
Excerpt: The shortage isn't affecting the processing sector—companies like McCain and other frozen chip manufacturers
https://www.stockandland.com.au/sto...s-could-rise-amid-a-nationwide-spud-shortage/
Aussie potato prices could rise amid a nationwide spud shortage | Stock & Land | VIC
Cited text: In some cases, the average cost of a tonne of spuds has trippled in northern Australia as distributors seek to sure-up supplies.
Excerpt: In some cases, the average cost of a tonne of spuds has tripled in northern Australia as distributors scramble to secure supplies
https://www.stockandland.com.au/sto...s-could-rise-amid-a-nationwide-spud-shortage/
Aussie potato prices could rise amid a nationwide spud shortage | Stock & Land | VIC
Cited text: The price of spuds is likely to rise as a result of the shortage.
Excerpt: The wholesale price increases are already flowing through to supermarket shelves, with the price of spuds likely to rise as a result of the shortage
https://www.stockandland.com.au/sto...s-could-rise-amid-a-nationwide-spud-shortage/
Aussie potato prices could rise amid a nationwide spud shortage | Stock & Land | VIC
Cited text: The spud shortage has pushed the wholesale price of potatoes up considerably, with those rises set to flow through to supermarket shelves until new-se...
Excerpt: The wholesale price increases are already flowing through to supermarket shelves, with the price of spuds likely to rise as a result of the shortage
https://www.stockandland.com.au/sto...s-could-rise-amid-a-nationwide-spud-shortage/
Price of 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes in Sydney
Cited text: Average price in Sydney: AU$3.74.
Excerpt: Current retail prices in Sydney are sitting around $3.74 per kilogram
https://www.expatistan.com/price/potatoes/sydney
Aussie potato prices could rise amid a nationwide spud shortage | Stock & Land | VIC
Cited text: Australia Seed Potato Industry Certificate Authority general manager and principal scientist, Nigel Crump, said the shortage of spuds was being felt i...
Excerpt: The shortage is being felt across South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Queensland
https://www.stockandland.com.au/sto...s-could-rise-amid-a-nationwide-spud-shortage/
Fears of product shortage for pantry staple as Woolworths left barren: 'The new eggs'
Cited text: She said it was still possible to get chips and roast potatoes from the freezer section of the supermarket. “Just make sure they’re Australian-made,” ...
Excerpt: Frozen chips and roast potatoes are still available—just make sure they're Australian-made
https://au.news.yahoo.com/fears-of-...orths-left-barren-the-new-eggs-202519953.html
Griffith independent grocers feels the pinch from potato shortage | The Area News | Griffith, NSW
Cited text: ... Broomes Fruit and Veg owner Michael Macedone is confident his supply will continue to be steady.
Excerpt: Some independent grocers with multiple suppliers are maintaining better stock levels
https://www.areanews.com.au/story/9...grocers-feels-the-pinch-from-potato-shortage/
Griffith independent grocers feels the pinch from potato shortage | The Area News | Griffith, NSW
Cited text: 'But we have numerous suppliers, so if one can only provide x instead of y, we have an opportunity to lock something in with someone else,' he said.
Excerpt: Some independent grocers with multiple suppliers are maintaining better stock levels
https://www.areanews.com.au/story/9...grocers-feels-the-pinch-from-potato-shortage/
Australian Potato Shortage Deepens as Climate Change Crop Damage and Supply Chain Struggles Hit Supermarket Shelves | PotatoPro
Cited text: The supermarket giants attributed the shortage to a natural dip caused by the seasonal transitional windows and expect supply to be refilled in the c...
Excerpt: 'supply to be refilled in the coming weeks'
https://www.potatopro.com/news/2025...change-crop-damage-and-supply-chain-struggles
'Realistically, we will not be back to a normal supply season until December at the earliest”
Cited text: Realistically, we will not be back to a normal supply season until December at the earliest.'
Excerpt: Realistically, we may not be back to a normal supply season until December at the earliest
https://www.freshplaza.com/north-am...supply-season-until-december-at-the-earliest/
Australian Potato Shortage Deepens as Climate Change Crop Damage and Supply Chain Struggles Hit Supermarket Shelves | PotatoPro
Cited text: Tselekidis said he expected the low potato supply to last for another month, despite the upcoming season harvest.
Excerpt: Some industry insiders expect the low potato supply to last for another month, despite the upcoming season harvest
https://www.potatopro.com/news/2025...change-crop-damage-and-supply-chain-struggles
What’s driving the potato chip shortage and when will it pass? - Australian Manufacturing Forum
Cited text: In 2021-22 the Australian Bureau of Statistics registered 87,800 agricultural businesses, compared to about 134,000 in 2009-10—roughly a 35 per cent reducti...
Excerpt: The Australian Bureau of Statistics registered 87,800 agricultural businesses in 2021-22, compared to about 134,000 in 2009-10—roughly a 35 per cent reduction
https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/whats-driving-the-potato-chip-shortage-and-when-will-it-pass
The chips are down: What the potato shortage can teach us about building ‘resilient’ supply chains
Cited text: According to Dr Chakrabortty, Australia heavily relies on a few groups of potato farmers and distributors. As a result, failures at any stage of the s...
Excerpt: Australia heavily relies on a few groups of potato farmers and distributors. As a result, failures at any stage of the supply chain emerge quickly as severe shortages
https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2023/0...-what-the-potato-shortage-can-teach-us-about-
Fears of product shortage for pantry staple as Woolworths left barren: 'The new eggs'
Cited text: First it was toilet paper, and then it was eggs. Now there are concerns another product shortage is on its way.
Excerpt: First it was toilet paper, then eggs, and now concerns about another product shortage
https://au.news.yahoo.com/fears-of-...orths-left-barren-the-new-eggs-202519953.html
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
$1850 lost in a plumbing scam—here’s what you should know before your next emergency call
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 0
-
Stay cool, feel confident: The bamboo tee redefining everyday comfort
- Started by Aubrey Razon
- Replies: 0
-
-
Could slower streets save lives? The push for 30km/h zones gains momentum
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 0
-
Australians brace for Christmas delivery chaos amid rising parcel delays
- Started by Gian T
- Replies: 0
