THE turmoil and logistical problems facing Sony in getting stocks of its bestselling mini-PS2 (PlayStation) games console into stores this Christmas might even be worthy of its own computer game.

Having failed to secure enough by sea, the firm has hired giant Russian Antonov AN24 cargo planes to airlift PS2s directly from China to Britain because many stores have sold out of this year’s “must have” toy.

David Wilson, spokesman for Sony PlayStation, said yesterday that supplies were likely to be back on track by the end of the week, though most retailers are now refusing to take any orders for the model.

It is difficult to know whether this is a real corporate crisis or a stunt to boost demand for the product.

The fiasco, according to the company, began two weeks ago when a Russian-owned oil tanker got stuck in the Suez Canal between November 6 and 9. The Tulip Brilliant, which is registered in Liberia, held up 100 ships, including Sony’s Christmas saviour which was bound from China with thousands of PS2s destined for the British market.

The closure of the 120-mile-long waterway was the first for more than a day in 37 years.

But Sony admits that, delays apart, it underestimated demand for the new console. The slimmer and lighter version has proved so popular that factories have been unable to keep up with the demand worldwide.

Some parents desperate not to disappoint children have turned to the auction site eBay where one PS2 sold yesterday for £175 after attracting 25 bids. Last week, before news of the airlifts, one sold for more than £200.

The Russian planes are now landing at least twice a week at Stansted and Gatwick. Each aircraft can carry about 40,000 PS2s.

The times of the flights and the deliveries are a tightly guarded secret for fear that lorries could be hijacked by crooks eager to cash in on the Europe-wide shortage.

Neil Smith, marine manager at Lloyds Market Association, which represents Lloyds insurance underwriters, said: “It is really impossible to prove if this is a tease or not. A ship will carry thousands of containers carrying all sorts of items and tracking one down on a particular voyage is not feasible. You can’t just turn round a ship if you get stuck halfway down the Suez Canal to drop off one container at one port.”

But the Consumer watchdog Which?, formerly the Consumers’ Association, was more sceptical. Phil Evans, principal policy adviser, said: “The current shortage of PlayStation 2s is allowing some retailers to take advantage of the situation and force consumers into buying bundles, which include games.

“This reduces any chance of shoppers finding bargains and increases the profit margins of retailers. This cynical tactic may have some short-term gains but will ultimately result in an undermining of any customer-retailer trust.”

The new PS2 was selling at a rate of 70,000 a week in Britain until the end of November when stocks depleted and there were only 20,000 sold. Last week the figure was down to 6,000.

Mr Wilson said: “The issue we now have is that people can’t get them because of two weeks’ worth of pent-up demand. As soon as they are getting into stores they are being snapped up. We now think there will be enough stocks to meet demand in the next two weeks which could be way over the 70,000-a-week sales reported in November.”

Shoppers will have to be persistent and keep asking stores when deliveries are due. Simon Soffe, spokesman for Game Group Plc, the country’s biggest games retailer, said: “Keep in touch with your local store. There is every chance you might get lucky, but it’s not definite.”

The Sony spokesman admitted that there may be potential for a game involving tankers, cargo planes and other forms of transport. But he added: “It takes two years from a concept to a game going on sale. I think we will have sorted out our supply problems by then.”

$18bn GAMES ARE SERIOUS BUSINESS

The global computer games industry is worth $18 billion

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