Yes, there’s a tampon shortage. Here’s why.

A tampon shortage is putting a strain on consumers across the country, an outgrowth of the same forces vexing the global economy — from soaring raw material and fuel costs, to labor shortages and an embattled supply chain — and experts say little relief is in sight.

Pharmacy aisles, group chats and social media are rife with conversations about frustrated searches for period products, a necessity for much of the population that is nonetheless uncovered by federal assistance and not tax exempt in most states. Prices for tampons and pads have shot up amid the crunch, at a moment when historic inflation is causing households to pay more for gas, groceries and other essentials.