The surreal world of Venezuela's queues

 Economic climate in Venezuela

The Venezuelan economy is currently one of the fastest declining economies in the world. Venezuela who was made rich by oil is facing turmoil because of mishandling the wealth and sending the country into economic turmoil. Queuing for food outside the local supermarket for basic items such as bread or milk has become the norm. Venezuela blame both the USA and Europe for trying to destroy their economy. The Venezuelan government controls the prices of how much the producers can charge someone for an item, this is useful in a growing economy but inflation is at 60% and the value of their currency is plummeting many companies are operating at a loss and many companies cannot sustain the demand for the goods that are needed, many foreign exports are now not trading in Venezuela because they do not receive payment from the cash strapped government. the Venezuelan government is now dictating to people when they can queue for goods and what they are entitled to buy on those days but it does not mean that the shops will have it on stock. Crime in Venezuela has also risen because of the scarcity of basic goods, as many shoppers are being robbed of their goods when they are on their way home, there has also been an increase in riots when waiting in lines however for the most part the lines have been frustrating but peaceful. The Venezuelan people are losing their faith in their government and are no longer believing that the shortage of basic goods is down to Venezuelan 'enemies'.

Nicole Meechan

 http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32349473