A CHRISTMAS shortage of PlayStation 2 consoles is now worse — because a ship carrying them is stuck in the Suez Canal.

Makers Sony already faced a crisis due to production problems and high demand.

Now the cargo ship carrying supplies from China for the whole of Europe is delayed in a queue of vessels at the Suez Canal, which links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.

Sony may now fly in the new slim-look consoles — half the size of the original — in a bid to meet Christmas demand.

A spokesman said: “We are now having to make arrangements to fly them over in Russian cargo planes.” He added: “We are working on the back-log and the shops should be getting more this week.

“But I must admit it is going to be tight.”

Last month we told how desperate parents are paying up to £400 on eBay for PS2s — that normally cost £100.

Dixons, Toys ’R’ Us, Virgin, Argos and Game have all reported shortages. Some shops are refusing to take any more orders because they cannot guarantee delivery in time for Christmas.

Game said: “We are in constant contact with Sony, getting updates about the number of PS2s we will be receiving.”

A Dixons spokesman added: “We are still expecting to meet demand for Christmas.”