Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) says efforts to reduce plastic use must be balanced against the needs of small vendors as conflict in the Middle East has led to a shortage of plastic bags in Taiwan. 

Rising oil prices and tighter petrochemical supplies linked to the United States’ conflict with Iran have led to panic buying and rationing. In response, the Economic Ministry is coordinating with CPC Corporation to boost production, including increasing ethylene output.

Environmental groups are criticizing this move, saying it contradicts the ministry’s bag circulation program that promotes reuse. The groups are urging authorities to use the shortage to instead accelerate reforms.

Peng says policies must take into account the realities faced by small-scale vendors, particularly in traditional and night markets, where plastic bags remain a necessity. He said, “I believe what the Economic Ministry is doing now is to prevent their operations from being severely impacted. I think we have already implemented all the necessary restrictions. This is the last mile, the people’s economy, and we must share the people’s suffering. We must understand the vendors’ situation.”

Peng says the government is introducing support measures to ease the transition and emphasized that long-term reduction efforts will rely on public education, including raising awareness of potential health risks linked to microplastics.

The Environment Ministry says its reuse platform, launched late last month, connects businesses, schools, and organizations willing to donate used shopping bags with retailers in need. As of mid-April, dozens of companies have pledged to supply bags. Officials say the public can expect a matching map to be released in the coming weeks to improve transparency.