Supermarket shelves across Australia are missing a staple household item amid a nationwide potato shortage brought on by challenging seasonal conditions.

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Extreme heat and severe frosts in key growing regions are to blame, industry insiders say, with concerns the shortage could contribute to a modest price rise at the supermarket counter.

Supermarkets in eastern Australia are experiencing a potato shortage. Picture by Andrew Norris

In some cases, the average cost of a tonne of spuds has trippled in northern Australia as distributors seek to sure-up supplies.

Australia Seed Potato I

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