Women already face several problems during that time of the month, but now they can add a shortage of period products to the list.
The baby formula shortage has shed light on just how bad supply chain problems, which have hit all consumer goods, and inflation have gotten. Now top retailers and manufacturers are acknowledging a shortage of feminine products in the United States. This confirms complaints that have been circulating on social media for months.
“I haven’t seen any products in stores for months,” one user posted on Reddit. “I’ve been ordering my tampons on Amazon and have been getting price gouged.”
Tampon prices are up significantly — nearly 10% from a year ago, Bloomberg notes.
What’s causing the shortage?
The shortage stems from supply constraints around key materials like cotton and plastic, which are also used in personal protective equipment. These materials have been in high demand since the start of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine has further crimped supply because Russia and Ukraine are both major exporters of fertilizer, which is used to grow cotton.
Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which owns the popular Tampax and Always brands are blaming the shortage on an increased demand of products due to an Amy Schumer campaign ad, according to Time.
The comedian, who had a hysterectomy, responded to her ad campaign being the blame in a typical joking manner.
“Whoa, I don’t even have a uterus,” she wrote on Instagram beneath a screenshot of a headline reading: “Why Amy Schumer is getting blamed for the national tampon shortage.”
The Tampax team is “producing tampons 24/7 to meet the increased demand,” A P&G representative tells CNN Business.
“We understand it is frustrating for consumers when they can’t find what they need,” the P&G spokeperson said in an email. “We can assure you this is