Supply Woes in Greenland’s Remote Settlements
Pilersuisoq, the largest grocery chain in Greenland and a part of Kalaallit Niuerfiat, KNI A/S, has acknowledged ongoing supply issues impacting settlements around Upernavik. Julianne Henningsen Heilmann, KNI’s Director of HR, Communication, and Sustainability, assures that efforts are underway to alleviate these challenges.
However, residents like Birgitte Kamman Danielsen from Kullorsuaq express frustration over a crisis that has persisted for years and increasingly worsened. “The supply situation here is catastrophic,” she states, highlighting a severe lack of essential items like flour, sugar, milk, and margarine. Despite regular scheduled shipments every two weeks during the summer, store shelves often remain bare.
On July 25, the Kullorsuaq store informed customers of a distribution error that led to certain items being out of stock intermittently. Yet, Danielsen believes the issues extend far beyond mere logistical mistakes. “That alone can’t explain the empty shelves we’ve seen for such an extended period. In recent summers, we’ve only received enough everyday goods to last two weeks. Items like eggs, fruits, and vegetables are regularly in short supply.”
The situation takes a turn for the worse when shipment delays occur. “If a vessel can’t reach us due to bad weather or excessive ice, we are left without supplies for an entire month until hopefully the next ship arrives,” she explains. Danielsen emphasizes the need for KNI to adopt a more strategic approach, urging the company to send larger quantities of goods to ensure sustainability during lean times. “Some items have been out of stock for over a year, and that’s not just a distribution hiccup.”
More than Just Groceries
The shortages go beyond food. Local fishermen in Kullorsuaq are facing a dire lack of ammunition and fishing gear. “Fishermen depend on ammunition for their rifles to provide for their families. Yet, the most common types have been sold out for an extended time. Store staff say they continue to place orders, but none have arrived,” says Danielsen.
Additionally, various fishing necessities—such as seal netting—are simply nowhere to be found. Although KNI has a service contract with Selvstyret, which outlines a mandatory assortment of goods for stores, Danielsen claims that many essential items are absent from the shelves of the Kullorsuaq Pilersuisoq.
Acknowledging the Crisis
Henningsen Heilmann acknowledges the chain’s supply challenges in the Upernavik settlements. “Yes, we’ve encountered difficulties filling orders in Kullorsuaq and surrounding areas this summer,” she admits.
The causes are multifaceted. “We’ve had issues with our allocation system, which we believe has been resolved. Additionally, our supply vessels have often struggled to navigate due to blocks of ice, contributing to our shortages,” she clarifies. These unforeseen delays can extend shipping times by up to two weeks. “For instance, goods destined for Tasiusaq were mistakenly sent elsewhere, further complicating matters,” she explains.
Despite these setbacks, Heilmann assures that KNI is committed to improving the supply of goods to Upernavik’s settlements, mentioning that grocery shelves are beginning to replenish. However, the shortage of ammunition persists, with ongoing efforts to address this vital concern.
As the community waits for solutions, the spirit of resilience continues to shine through—even in the face of adversity.