Recently, there has been a rise in reports from consumers that some physical retail stores are running low on pennies, making it difficult for cashiers to give customers exact change.

This week, many social media users reported that one of America’s largest grocery store chains, Kroger, was asking customers to use exact change. This has led many to wonder if there is a national penny shortage.

The answer is more complex than just a simple yes or no. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s happened?

Numerous reports this week said customers at Kroger stores were greeted with signs asking them to provide exact change when paying in cash.

Among the reports was one from the Cincinnati Enquirer, which said that these signs were posted at the company’s 103 stores in the Cincinnati/Dayton Divis

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