Fears about supply shortfalls and rising demand have already caused prices to climb about 20 percent this year, hovering around $40 a barrel.

The organization predicts a down year for the Brazilian coffee crop, which could lead to a supply shortfall and even higher prices this year.

Food prices are expected to rise dramatically because the resulting supply shortfall.

If the market were truly focused on a potential supply shortfall, we would expect higher volatility and a sharp call skew.

It said the increase, the first for the product, was independent of the supply shortfall.

Looking ahead, over the next decade gas demand is likely to fall as a result of supply shortfall, despite the current supply surplus.

He'd invaded their market, though, taking advantage of a supply shortfall to establish an entry position.

Chiron also said that because of the supply shortfall, its financial results for 2005 would be lower than it had previously forecast.

OPEC said it was prepared to act quickly to increase oil production within weeks to prevent supply shortfalls and steep jumps in prices.

Although several prosperous countries, including the United States, have strategic reserves, they have not been used to make up for supply shortfalls.