Supply delay warning

THE Balearic Islands transport sector is warning of possible delivery delays due to a collapse of the system.

Lack of drivers, added to a surge in demand in April are said to be the main reasons for many deliveries to key businesses such as construction and food retailers arriving late over the coming weeks.

This is the busiest time of year for the transport sector, as businesses rush to stock up ready for the Easter and summer tourism seasons.

While distributors have been able to prepare in advance, retailers and smaller companies have been unable to do so due to the nature of their business or lack of planning.

Construction companies require a steady stream of supplies, while the food sector has to replace products depending on demand ­ which spirals from this month until the end of summer. This has led to a bottleneck that transporters are rushing to unblock, but which is not easy given the chronic lack of drivers on the islands caused by the high cost of living and difficulties to find homes to rent, which puts professional drivers off from moving here.