Caracas, May 24 (EFE).– The Coca-Cola Company of Venezuela said in a communique that it has used up its inventories of refined sugar for industrial use, which has in turn forced the company to temporarily suspend all lines of soft drinks containing that ingredient, though they will continue to produce others.

“The sugar shortage means a temporary interruption of lines of soft drinks that require that raw material, though we will continue to operate lines of production that are sugar-free, such as water and Coca-Cola Light,” the note from Coca-Cola of Venezuela said.

The statement explained that “existing inventories of refined sugar for industrial use have been exhausted” at the company’s plants, as was confirmed on a tour of inspection by workers’ representatives and company executives.

The communique said the company has been informed that the country’s sugar inventories are expected to be restored soon.

“Until that occurs, and in the spirit of saving jobs, Coca-Cola has offered workers a ‘solidarity compensation’ over and above what the law requires, as a means of strengthening the company’s long-term commitment to Venezuela,” the note said.

The company said it will continue cooperating with the authorities “in search of alternatives” for “resolving this situation.”

Venezuela is currently suffering from serious shortages of basic products that include sugar, milk, flour, coffee and butter, along with articles for cleaning and personal hygiene. EFE