Venezuela is facing a shortage of a number of basic goods . But Venezuelans say the shortages are very real , as staples such as rice and cooking oil are scarce . The government has been trying to get around the problem by importing food from neighboring countries, but that means it's going through more trouble than just getting food. Officials blame private companies and the media for the shortage . The opposition says the government 's own economic policies are failing .
Venezuela is facing a shortage of a number of basic goods . The government has been trying to get around the problem by importing food from neighboring countries, but that means it's going through more trouble than just getting food. Officials blame private companies and the media for the shortage . The opposition says the government 's own economic policies are failing .