Shortages of basic foods have been sporadic since the government strengthened price controls in 2003 after a debilitating strike by oil workers.
But in recent weeks, the scarcity of items like meat and chicken has led to a panicked reaction by federal authorities as they try to understand how such shortages could develop in a seemingly flourishing economy.
Entering a supermarket here is a bizarre experience. Shelves are fully stocked with Scotch whiskey, Argentine wines and imported cheeses like brie and Camembert, but basic staples like black beans and desirable cuts of beef like sirloin are often absent.
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Chavez is only going after the rice companies now, the rest later.
He did the ame with oil...What is he thinking?