OPINION: Economic shortages threaten worldwide supply and international markets

In recent years, the world has seen a significant shift in the civil and economic points of society. As the Russo-Ukrainian War continues, a shortage of resources accompanies, bound to cause additional economic damage.

In the post-pandemic age, many nations are still grappling with shortages, ranging from food products to manpower. Besides the early loss of toilet paper and sanitation products, manpower has become the only factor to still not make a rapid recovery. The Great Resignation of 2021 contributed heavily to this loss, as workers began rethinking their jobs and considering better occupations. It put many industries, especially food, to work, devising ways to retain their staff and to stay afloat. Stephanie Ferguson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce states “able workers are being overlooked or sitting on the sidelines… (a survey) revealed some are still concerned about COVID-19 at work, indicate that pay is too low, or are more focused on acquiring new skills and education before re-entering the job market.”

In any business, labor and management must cooperate to continue to provide their service, but many workers’ obligations are not being fulfilled. Many workers for restaurants or franchises left their position due to low compensation, leaving a large gap to fill.

When the invasion of Ukraine initiated, heavy international sanctions began to be levied on the Russian government. The Russian Rouble’s price heavily decreased. As the war continues, the sanctions will begin to dig deeper into the open wound and potentially start food shortages, as there have already been reports of Russians fighting over sugar in supermarkets and more.

In convergence with the U.S., gasoline prices “have been at record highs (in) the past two weeks after going up for 11 straight weeks,” the LA Times reported. Because Russia is number three in oil production, the industry has already seen a tumble. Inflation will remain a driving factor in keeping prices up, and an accessible solution may not be a reality.
The Russo-Ukrainian offensive threatens to upend many essentials of the global market. While global economic recovery from the war may be quick, a switch to green energy may help. Exploration into developing countries should be done to both boost their GDP and improve the world economy.