The term shortage is from 1862 and is an American English term. Short is from Old English sceort, scort "short, not long, not tall; brief," probably from Proto-Germanic *skurta- (source also of Old Norse skorta "to be short of," skort "shortness;" Old High German scurz "short.") 

The laws of supply and demand can regulate shortages. Shortages can be brief. Brief is a relative term. If one needs something then brief may be too long. Planning is important to prevent shortages. Unexpected events happen. Prepare for everything and shortages will be brief.  

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Stillness in nature, rice fields flow in the water, slight breeze on my face