Plastic Bag Supply Shortage Resolved in Chiayi City
Chiayi City's Department of Construction addressed a plastic bag shortage, attributing it to insufficient raw materials caused by the US-Iran conflict. Supply chain issues affected specific bag types, but authorities have coordinated with retailers and manufacturers to replenish stock and ensure direct supply to businesses.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 21:21
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 22:00 (39 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 8, 2026 at 22:59 (59 min after Collected)
Chiayi City's Department of Construction Director Luo Zizheng stated that inspections on March 31 and April 3 revealed a shortage of certain plastic bags, including floral and heat-resistant types, due to insufficient raw materials linked to the US-Iran conflict. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has since coordinated with retailers like Xiaobei Department Store and Zhenyu Hardware to increase supply. They are also surveying demand by commercial districts and markets to facilitate direct supply from manufacturers. Liu Qingzong, chairman of the Chiayi Zhulou Street District Technology Development Association, noted that while supply was fine in February, it became limited in March and completely unavailable by mid-March. He raised this issue at a government meeting, after which suppliers informed him that stock had arrived. Liu also mentioned that the price of a 4-liang plastic bag increased from NT$20 before the Lunar New Year to NT$30, a cost he is willing to absorb. Some citizens reported being charged NT$1 for plastic bags, while others were encouraged to reuse them. The Chiayi City Government urges the public to buy only the necessary amount of plastic bags, avoid hoarding, and bring their own reusable bags. They also highlighted 29 recycling points for used environmental bags across the city.
FAQ
What caused the plastic bag shortage in Chiayi City?
The shortage was caused by insufficient raw materials due to the US-Iran conflict, affecting the supply of certain types of plastic bags.
What steps have been taken to resolve the shortage?
The Ministry of Economic Affairs coordinated with retailers to increase supply and is facilitating direct supply from manufacturers to businesses based on demand.
Have plastic bag prices increased?
Yes, the price of a specific type of plastic bag increased from NT$20 to NT$30, though some vendors are absorbing the cost.
What advice is the government giving to the public?
The government advises the public to buy only the necessary amount, avoid hoarding, bring reusable bags, and utilize the 29 recycling points for used bags.