September 13, 2010

Indonesia may face beef shortages at Ramadan-end

By the end of this year's Ramadan festival when beef consumption would start increasing across Islamic countries, Indonesia might face problem meeting its demand for beef, said Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

Earlier this year, Indonesia had slashed Australian beef imports and levied new weight restrictions and fewer permits in a move to leverage its beef self-sufficiency plans.

Allister Lugsdin of MLA has said that the coming weeks would put the government's plan under serious discord.

"During the end period of Ramadan, there are often shortages and increased demand for beef. There may be pressure from consumers in the market who don't get access to beef to start complaining to the Indonesian authorities," he said.