Caracas, January 7 (teleSUR-RHC) -- A recent West Coast dockworkers’ strike in the U.S. may be the principal cause behind the McDonald's franchises' shortages of potatoes in Venezuela and Japan.

However, Sonia Ruseler, an Argentine-based spokeswoman for Arcos Dorados, the Latin American operator for McDonald’s restaurants, declined to respond to questions on why other Latin American countries are not experiencing similar scarcities.

Various media have begun to report a “French fry shortage” in the country, despite availability at other fast food chains such as Burger King, who have been quick to remind patrons that they continue to serve fries.

The more than 100 McDonald’s restaurants in Venezuela have announced that they are serving alternatives to U.S. style fries such as deep-fried arepa or yucca. Since September, more than 150 restaurants began offering these options, according to Correo del Orinoco.

Ruseler explained that McDonald’s is working to resolve the lack of potatoes, and in the meantime "will continue to give our clients the McDonald's experience, offering 100 percent Venezuelan options."

For months, the Venezuelan government and communities across the country have been tackling rolling shortages of supplies, often due to hoarding or the underproduction ordered by companies themselves.