The Ministry of Economic Affairs has reiterated its plan to increase supplies
of cooking oil, saying it has reduced tariffs on imported oil and will import
an additional 5-thousand metric tons by the end of the year.

The move comes after a shortage of cooking oil surfaced across the island,
with many restaurateurs, vendors and food processing businesses reporting
difficulties in getting enough supplies.

The shortage stems from the shutdown in July of Central Union Oil, one of
Taiwan's biggest soybean oil suppliers,
after its products were found to contain traces of a carcinogen.

The M-O-E-A said it has already asked three domestic manufacturers to
increase their combined production by 4,400 metric tons per month.

It's also working with Taiwan Sugar to accelerate crude oil procurement and
expand its refining capacity, potentially adding another 700 metric tons to
monthly supplies starting in December.

Economics Minister Gong Ming-xin urged businesses facing cooking oil
shortages to contact his Ministry' Small and Medium Enterprise
Administration. through its hotline. at 0800-280-280.

(JL)