But the current shortage is more troubling, officials say, because it cannot be traced to a single, catastrophic event.

They discuss the current shortages of food and other essentials.

The current shortage of bank financing for real estate has squeezed out many buyers.

But Boeing's production estimates were not exaggerated, leading to the current shortages.

Such is the current shortage of foreign language teachers.

Another problem is the current shortage in the supply of dollars at the official swap centers.

The long-term case for energy conservation doesn't have much to do with the current shortages.

But experts say the current shortage will be harder to solve because of changes in the health care field.

The current shortage is expected to last for several years.

The current shortage began building about the middle of last year but has become severe only in the last few weeks.